Inaugural four-day motorcycle festival starts tomorrow, over 1,000 bikers to take part
Twite high-fives Abdul Karim while performing a stunt during a preview at CityONE Megamall in Kuching. Twite, a seasoned and multi-XDL stunt riding champion will be performing at KIBW this weekend. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The state government will continue to work with the private sector to bring in more international events to the state.
Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said by holding more international events, Kuching and other divisions of Sarawak would be made known to countries around the world.
“Recently, we just organised the world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and from Sept 3 onwards, we will be holding the Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW) where around 1,000 bikers from nine countries including Malaysia will be here to participate in the inaugural fest,” he told reporters when met after the KIBW press conference held at CityONE Megamall here yesterday.
He added that with international events such as KIBW, there would also be the presence of international media, which in turn would contribute towards promoting the state and country as a whole.
Earlier, Abdul Karim said more than 20,000 visitors were expected to converge on CityONE Megamall for the four-day KIBW which will feature an array of exciting activities, exotic and classic motorcycle displays, as well as stage performances and thrilling convoy rides.
Organised by Iron Tiger Bikers Club Kuching (ITBCK), the festival is open to the public, with several programmes and benefits reserved exclusively and solely for bikers who register as VIB (Very Important Biker) participants at a fee of RM230 per person.
“The state government has lent its support and endorsement to the event as it will stamp a solid mark on the motorcycling world map, further enhancing Kuching and Sarawak as a motorcycle tourism destination,” he remarked.
He pointed out that on Sept 4, a convoy of some 150 VIBs, mostly from outside Sarawak, would ride to from here to Kampung Benuk – a Bidayuh longhouse in Padawan.
“The evening of the same day, bikers and visitors will converge on the rooftop of CityONE Megamall for the opening concert which showcases an exuberant cast of local talents from diverse ethnic backgrounds and headlined by the appearance of Malaysia-Singapore’s Papa Rock, Datuk Ramli Sarip, accompanied by fellow rock icon Man Kidal.”
KIBW will be officially launched this Saturday, kicking off with City Ride – a large motorcycle parade through the city, which is expected to be flagged off by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg at the grounds of Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
“Some 1,000 motorcycles are expected to parade through the city and then continuing on to Damai Central in Santubong where the riders will be received by Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan,” said Abdul Karim, adding that participants would be treated to a round of cultural performances, luncheon and a durian party.
On the same day, visitors to CityONE will also be wowed by stunt riding performances of professional stunt rider Aaron Twite, who is a seasoned and multi-XDL stunt riding champion from Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Fans will have the chance to see him up-close, buy some of his memorabilia and also the opportunity to take photographs with him.
Abdul Karim (sixth right) giving the thumbs-up with guests after the press conference. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Twite showcasing his skills on the bike in a preview to members of the media and invited guests at CityONE Megamall yesterday.
In addition, the festival will also see other exciting activities such as the Kickstart Kuching Kustom Kulture, Battle of the Bands, Street Dance Battle, Mr Fitness, Miss KIBW and KIBW Kool Kid contests.
KIBW culminates on the evening of Sept 5 at Imperial Hotel with a gala dinner which is expected to be graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Dato Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib as well as Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his wife Datin Patinggi Dato Jamilah Anu, who is also KIBW patron.
The dinner will be a night of awards, recognition and celebration of unity while VIBs present will stand a chance to win the coveted grand lucky draw prize of a brand new Kawasaki Z800 motorcycle worth over RM50,000.
The excitement continues on Sunday (Sept 6) from 10am to 7pm with the penultimate activities being the announcement of the winner of Miss KIBW, Street Dance Battle and the Battle of the Bands.
More information on KIBW can be found at www.kibw.com.my or on ITBCK Facebook page.
Among those present at the press conference were Kuching police chief Roslan Bek Ahmad and ITBCK president and KIBW organising chairperson Datin Elly Zalilah.