BASE jumpers set to take leap of faith off Wisma Sanyan

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File photo shows a BASE jumper leap from the 126-metre high Wisma Sanyan, Sarawak’s tallest building.

SIBU: It is all systems go for the coming 10th edition of Sibu International BASE Jump, with more than 50 jumpers expected to leap from Sarawak’s tallest building – Wisma Sanyan – from Sept 20 till 23.

According to Sibu Resident Charles Siaw, all safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of jumpers.

“The most important safety measure is that those who are jumping must have 100 to 150 hours of skydiving before they can jump from buildings.

“So, all these people (jumpers) are all very experienced because we don’t allow any novice to jump from the building. There will be a safety briefing here on Sept 19 to all BASE jumpers taking part in the event. So, it is all systems go,” he told reporters after officiating at the launching of the ‘Say No to Rabies’ campaign here on Saturday.

Siaw said although the number of jumpers this year is slightly lower compared to last year, it nevertheless give participants the chance to perform more jumps.

The yearly event is organised by Sibu Resident’s Office in collaboration with Malaysia BASE Association.

Most jumpers are from the United States, while Canada and Australia are also sending a good number of participants.

Night jumps are scheduled between Sept 21 and 22 subject to weather condition.

BASE is an acronym for four categories of fixed objects from which a person can jump – buildings, antenna, span (bridge) and earth (cliff).

Meanwhile, Mohammad Faizan Abdul Rahman was the winner of the logo design competition in conjunction with the event, while Syed Arif Iqmal and Monica Inya Mege were second and third respectively.

A carnival is also being held here from Sept 12 till 23 in conjunction with the event.