Rudy Anoi
Daniel Ngieng
SIBU: The annual Borneo Post Run that had gathered people from far and near can help put Sibu on the tourist’ map, spurring economic activities for the town.
Sibu Municipal Council deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng said that if the event became an attraction, people would flock here for a time of relaxation and camaraderie.
“It has to build up from the community level, gathering people for a health run. When it gradually becomes an attraction, people from far and near would converge here.
“They would also be enticed to shop – this is one of the areas where we can create events to make Sibu more dynamic and give something to look forward to,” Ngieng said when asked on the tourism potential of the run.
He said people from outstation would not mind travelling here to participate in something such as the run, and later spend money on food and shopping.
“I do agree that this is one of the activities that can bring people from the surrounding areas – call it domestic tourism or sports tourism – it is part of it,” Ngieng said.
When contacted yesterday, Sibu Tourism Board (STB) executive Rudy Anoi too believed there was tourism potential in the run.
He believed if it was well promoted, it could attract foreign participants.
Citing an example, he noted that the Mount Kinabalu Climbathon had enticed foreigners to take part.
“While here, the runners would not only take part in the event but would bring their families to shop or visit places of interest,” Rudy added.
Meanwhile, the run that was into its second year attracted more than 800 runners last Saturday and bettered last year’s performance.
Interviewed last Saturday, chief operating officer of See Hua group Temenggong Vincent Lau said the working committee would look into ways to improve the event.
“The thing is, we aim to be bigger and better as time goes on in order to entice more runners to join the run.
“It is also a good sign that outstation people are aware of this run proving its popularity is not confined to Sibu alone.
“Of course, we would love to see more people taking part,” Lau said then.
He said then the run provided a platform for the people to converge and interact, strengthening the social bond.