The second edition of the Sibu International Powerboat Race got under way on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Pulau Li Hua Waterfront on the Rajang River in Sibu, Sarawak. The event secured a Malaysia Book of Records entry for the most powerboats competing in a single event, with 251 boats confirmed at the flag-off ceremony, according to The Star.
The final figure of 251 surpassed the 200-boat threshold required for the record attempt. Pre-event, local Malay-language media had reported registrations at 244 following the April 20 press conference at which Sibu Resident Abang Mohammad Porkan announced the bid.
The Malaysia Book of Records entry was confirmed under the category “Most Number of Powerboats in a Single Event”. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is providing financial support for the event, is scheduled to officiate the closing ceremony on Saturday, April 26. State Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah opened proceedings at the flag-off ceremony on April 24.
Abang Mohammad Porkan told reporters at the pre-event press conference:
This figure has exceeded the minimum requirement of 200 boats, which means we have unofficially qualified to enter the Malaysia Book of Records.
The event is organised by the Sibu Divisional Tourism Task Group (DTTG Sibu) under the theme “D’Awakening of the Mighty Rajang River”. The Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is also providing support, and the event forms part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 programme.
Nine race categories
Racing spans nine categories covering a range of hull types and engine classes. Based on the 2025 inaugural edition, classes include 5HP Open Hull, 18HP and below Tunnel Boat, 18HP and below Long Boat, 30HP 2-Cylinder Tunnel Boat, 30HP 3-Cylinder Tunnel Boat, Formula 5 (50HP) Tunnel Boat, Formula 4 (SST45) and Formula 3 (SST60), with a ninth category added for 2026. None of the classes carry UIM sanctioning; this is a regional Sarawak competition with international entries from Brunei.
The 2025 inaugural event drew approximately 20,000 spectators to the Pulau Li Hua Waterfront. Brunei’s Raja Kerbau won the 30HP class that year, and international entries from Brunei are again confirmed for 2026. Teams registered include Budi Racing Team, Borneo X-Treme, Ulu Maong Racing Team and MMRE Formula 3.
Malaysia’s regional powerboat racing scene has been building steadily. Ahirine Ahirudin competed in the Asia Powerboat Championship T750 World Series Malaysia in 2025, one of several initiatives raising the sport’s profile across the country.
Free entry for spectators
Admission is free throughout the three-day event. Shuttle buses run every 15 to 30 minutes to the Pulau Li Hua Waterfront. Side events include children’s colouring and painting competitions, food and beverage stalls, and lucky draws.
Live updates are available via the Borneo X-Treme Facebook page and Info Sibu.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
