Lee (standing, fourth left) tries his hands at handling a RC aircraft. Standing at second left is Yii.
MIRI: The flying of radio-controlled (RC) aircraft has great potential in becoming another tourism product for this resort city.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin said this activity should no longer be regarded merely as a hobby, adding that with innovation and technological advances, it has gained more popularity among the public.
“The flying of RC aircraft has the potential to attract many visitors from near and far, especially among the younger generation who are attracted to new technologies of these various RC aircraft models.
“Therefore, I would like to encourage more interest to make it another interesting attraction and tourism product for Miri,” he spoke at Miri RC Flying Club Show at Miri City Council (MCC) football field yesterday, held in connection with ‘Miri City Day’ celebration.
Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, Miri RC Flying Club president Vincent Wong and its treasurer Chan Khung Beng were present.
Chan demonstrates ways to remote-manoeuvre the flight of a V22 Osprey military plane model.
According to Yii, the show is one of the events on Miri May Fest 2018’s calendar of events.
He disclosed that Miri Radio Control Flying Club was established 18 years ago and since then, it has witnessed the revolution of RC technology – from the past era of motor oil-powered engine to the current one consisting of drones, global positioning system (GPS), remote-person view (RPV) and video piloting manual.
“This really creates amazing experience for RC enthusiasts. Maybe the show like what we have seen today can become an annual event in the month of May.
“Apart from promoting tourism under ‘Miri May Fest’ banner, it is also an opportunity for the club to promote the sport and instil awareness of public safety and proper handling of the aircraft,” Yii added.
The event also held an exhibition of aircraft models, drone- racing and an air show.