SIBU: The state government welcomes BASE jump enthusiasts in the state to establish an association or academy to train more local enthusiasts of the extreme sport said Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In making that call, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development said it will make it easier for the government to provide assistances.
However, Abdul Karim stressed that it is not easy for a person to participate in such extreme sport because it requires special training.
“If there is an academy or someone willing to train, I am sure many BASE jump enthusiasts out there who are fond of challenges in this extreme sport such as jumping from planes or buildings will participate.
“The question now is, is there anyone qualified and certified to train and conduct such training,” he said to reporters after officiating the Sibu International BASE Jump (SIBJ) 2022 flag-off ceremony at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang today.
“We will see if there is anyone who will come forward, we will leave it to the base jump enthusiasts to establish a sports academy (base jump training) or establish an association.
“Therefore, when they (fans) come to us asking for help, we will help them like other sports associations,” he stressed.
Abdul Karim who is also Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, expressed his happiness that after two years of hiatus due to Covid-19 the event which is the only tourism product of its kind held in Sibu was held again this year.
“I was quite interested because the weather was good and the divers were all enthusiastic and I was very happy because many divers from Sarawak made the jump.
“Today is also Malaysia Day which makes it more meaningful and quite symbolic,” he said.
The Minister added that they want the event to be held continuously every year and wished that more jumpers locals or foreigners would participate every year.
A total of 33 jumpers took part in this year’s jump.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Resident, Wong Hii Sieng, and others.
