Karim (seated centre) during the press conference yesterday. Also seen is Ong (seated second right) and BIIBBF organising committee members.
KUCHING: Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hopes that the coming 19th Borneo Island International Big Bikes Festival (BIIBBF) will boost the state’s tourism.
According to him, the event is an international event that can help promote and showcase Sarawak’s culture to neighbouring state Sabah, federal territory of Labuan, Brunei and Indonesian provinces of North, South, East, West and Central Kalimantan through big bike activities.
He also hoped that Sarawakians will support the event which kicks off on April 6.
“This is a three day event where there will be many activities held in conjunction with the festival. Among the highlights of the event is the welcoming dinner on April 6 which will be attended by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said during a press conference yesterday.
He commented that as a big bike fan like himself, the Chief Minister is also excited and looking forward to the event.
The 19th BIIBBF will be held from April 6-8 in Kuching city.
It serves as a gathering for all big bikers from Malaysia and neighbouring countries and Abdul Karim expects around 500 bikers to flock into the city for the event.
“During the event, members of the public can expect to see many big bikers moving around the city. This is good for our tourism as the city is definitely a suitable place to host the event,” he said.
Also present during the press conference was Sarawak Sport Corporation (SSC) chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee and BIIBBF organising committee members.
Before Sarawak, the event was held in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia last year.
Organised by the Borneo Island Big Bikers, the BIIBBF was first held in 2000.
It is organised annually in rotation between the countries of Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.