A female darter going for the bull’s eye.
MIRI: Guess what? Dart entertainment has made a big comeback following the introduction of Electronic Dart Machines (DMs) in Sarawak.
If you had been to Japan, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur in the last 12 months, you definitely would have come across these highly sophisticated sleek machines.They are the hottest hits in Asia.
DM revolution — this new sport-game has taken Asian pubs, lounges and clubs by storm — and it’s just getting started.
This is the collective view of young entrepreneurs comprising Jayson Lai Horng Jye, Nicholas Chu, Jimmy Liew and Samson Chu who introduced the electronic DM in Sarawak.
Retaining the original basic rules of classic Dart, the Electronic DM has revolutionised game with technology, allowing for automated score calculation, high definition visual and audio effects, personalisation of one’s profile and many more.
This has proven a big success due to growing awareness and players in Asia, especially the IT-savvy younger generation.
Another major difference is the change from steel to plastic heads (known as tips) making it a safer game all around.
Jayson (or Jay) told thesundaypost they (Soon Ju Ventures Sendirian Berhad) decided to introduce DMs in Sarawak and Sabah because they believed the people in these East Malaysian two states deserved to enjoy the game of darts.
In Sarawak, DM was first made available at New Alfresco Café in mid-February this year in Miri.
Currently, apart New Alfresco Café and WorldClub Station in Miri, DMs are available at Ezy Plus Café and Lalaland in Bintulu, Sport Bar Café in Sibu and Platinum Karaoke and Lounge, Trance Lounge and Lido Sport in Kuching.
DMs have also been installed at Venetian Club and BESS Dart Community Lounge in Kota Kinabalu.
“We have seen a good response from the dart community in Sarawak. Based on the collections and feedback from the outlets, there have been increasing players in every region, especially Miri and Sibu.
“Miri has the advantage darters from Brunei and the Miri outlets are thinking of installing more units at their premises. We also get some people asking us to supply to their private premises,” said Jay, director of Soon Ju Ventures Sendirian Berhad.
He encouraged people log on to Facebook — Sarawak Electronic DART Community – to get updates on availability of DM’s in their areas.
“Creating this page allows all the people to come together and make more friends while enjoying playing the games. It’s all with good intentions — to bring more flavors to the dart community.
“Whether you know how to play or not, it doesn’t matter as the purpose is for the enjoyment of the community,” he added.
So far, they have not issued membership cards but through their Facebook page, they will be promoting the game to the community instead of individuals.
“It’s a game that should be played with no classification of participants. The best thing is the game of darts provides another entertainment option to the public,” Jay stressed.
The operating hours depend on individual outlets but mostly from 4pm to midnight.
Jay said they would be talking to other Dart communities on organising competitions for locals, eventually bringing the game to inter-state level.
“It’s a sport and it’s fun. There is no reason it shouldn’t be promoted. We plan to have one competition in Sarawak in June this year. We are eagerly waiting for some best players to represent Sarawak at the national and international levels,” he enthused.
For details, contact Jay (016-7868646).