Abdul Karim (seated second left) with Twite on his left and the organising team in a photocall after the conference.
KUCHING: Some 4,000 local and foreign bikers will participate in the second edition of the Kuching International Bikers Week (KIBW) happening at CityOne Megamall from Oct 13 to 15.
The event is supported by the state government and organised by Iron Tiger Bikers Club Kuching.
The first edition of KIBW was held in 2015.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the foreign participants are from United States, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and India and there will also be participants from Sabah, Labuan and Peninsular Malaysia, including members of the royal families.
The local participants are from across the state, he added.
At a press conference in his office on the 7th floor, Baitulmakmur complex in Petra Jaya yesterday, Abdul Karim said the event would also be participated by Aaron Twite, a world famous bike stuntman.
Twite will perform at the rooftop of CityOne Megamall for three consecutive days.
“After a successful event in 2015, we are holding the international event again this year to bring international bikers, whom we believe will help to promote Kuching and Sarawak in general as a tourist destination for biking festival,” he told the press conference, which was also attended by Twite.
He added that among the destinations, the bikers will ride to Siniawan old bazaar where they will be hosted by Serumbu assemblyman Miro Simuh, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Kuching North City Hall (DKBU) where they will be greeted by the mayors of both councils.
Abdul Karim said several side activities would be held during the three-day event, among them motorcycle and accessory showcases, trade fair, talent contests, bike clinic and powerful performances featuring some local artistes.
Many international models from Ukraine and other countries will be present at the gala dinner on Oct 14, which is the highlight of the event.
Held at Pullman Hotel, among the guests for the dinner will be Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abdul Karim also said that the event will benefit hotel and food operators in the city, and called on other road users to give cooperation when the bikers are on the road.
He added that personnel from Road Transport Department, Police and Immigration Department will also assist to ensure that the event runs smoothly.