File photo shows a jumper leaping from Wisma Sanyan.
SIBU: The Sibu International Base Jump 2017 has attracted a record 104 jumpers.
Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee pointed out there were only 11 jumpers when the event was first held in 2009.
“It’s a record for Sibu as there is a total of 104 jumpers from 19 countries, compared with 64 jumpers from 18 countries last year. I think this is due to the good publicity that was done for previous jumps and the vast landing area at Sibu Town Square Phase 1 that draws jumpers here,” Hii, who is also Sibu Division Tourism Task Group (DTTG) chairman, told The Borneo Post yesterday.
“This time around a lot of them are newcomers.
“The bulk of them are from the United States, Australia and France. There are only four Malaysian jumpers, while the rest are foreigners.”
The other participants are from Canada, Russia, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Finland, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Turkey.
During the event from Sept 19-24, jumpers will leap from the 126m tall Wisma Sanyan.
The trial jump will be on Sept 21, while the actual jumps on Sept 22-23 will be from 8am till 9pm, while on Sept 24, the jumps will end at 5pm.
Jumpers will also visit Rumah Michael Jalak in Bawan, Kanowit on Sept 24.
A trade and exhibition fair will be held at Sibu Town Square Phase 2 in connection with the event.