KUCHING: Nearly 1 million visitors are expected to witness the Tour of Sarawak (TOS) 2016 to be held in nine locations from March 16 to 20.
Side Event Tour Of Sarawak director Ahmad Fauzi Yusof said the race, themed ‘Race Close To Nature’ involves nine locations; Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Sarikei, Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Sematan and Kuching.
The tour will involve a total distance of 787.5 kilometres, participated by 20 teams for the overall, Mountain King, Sprint King and Malaysian Rider titles respectively.
“The race will start from Miri and ends in Kuching. We anticipate a lively response from the locals and tourists, as there are various programmes that we will put in place during the carnival held throughout the tour,” he said in a statement.
Among the activities are exhibitions by various government agencies, a ‘bermukun’ competition, busking competition, TOS16 Mini Race and Jewel Kid’s Fun Race. There will also be programmes to attract visitors such as health checks and blood donations.
Ahmad Fauzi said the Tour of Sarawak event would help increase income of local traders because every venue of the tour would attract tourists and locals alike.
He believed the programme would have a positive impact on the development of Sarawak particularly in economy, infrastructure and tourism industry.
He said the support of government agencies and the corporate sector as well as state and federal leaders had contributed to the smooth and successful planning and organising of the Tour Of Sarawak event.
“The strength of support from all the government agencies involved, including full support from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will be the catalyst to make this race go smoothly.
“We are confident that the best support and cooperation of all divisional resident offices, district officers, local political leaderships, community leaders and relevant departments will contribute towards the presence of more visitors from the surrounding areas at the event venues,” he said.