LABUAN: The 23rd Labuan International Sea Challenge 2019 created history with two of its international events entering the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).
The Labuan Cross Channel Swimming challenge secured a record 185 swimmers, the largest cross channel event in Malaysia (surpassing 103 swimmers in 2009) while the Round Island Kayak Challenge holds the record as Malaysia’s longest kayak competition route at 51.7km.
Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said LISC 2019 has achieved beyond its expectation by attracting more local and international participants.
“We want to see these annual events continue to promote Labuan as an international sea sports venue,” he said at the closing of 23rd Labuan International Sea Challenge 2019 at Labuan Food Court here Sunday night.
Another international event, LISC DAIWA Fishing Challenge around Layang-Layang Island and Spratly Islands also saw overwhelming support from foreign sponsors and anglers.
“We are optimistic LISC will continue be Labuan’s prestigious occasion which will continue to receive support from the ministry,” Khalid said.
He also stressed the need to continue developing tourism products to accelerate Labuan’s tourism industry. “Of course, we need huge fund to create new tourism products and it will take time to implement them successfully,” he said.
Khalid said efforts are in the pipeline to improve the infrastructure of the 22-year-old Labuan Bird Park.
“I understand Labuan Bird Park is the only government-owned bird park on Borneo island. “In the past, the people have mistakenly thought the Labuan Bird Park was similar to a zoo, However, the Labuan Bird Park is more than a zoo, as the park has carried out conservation activities for endangered bird species, bird rehabilitation as well as monitoring of migratory birds.
He announced RM1 million allocation for a massive transformation of the Labuan Bird Park this year to further boost the economy of Labuan. – Bernama
