SIBU: The Sibu International BASE Jump made a comeback with nine participants making their first jumps at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here on Yesterday (Sept 15).
BASE—a recreational sport of jumping from fixed objects using a parachute—is an acronym for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump – buildings, antenna, spans and earth.
According to jump instructor Mohd Idros Mohd Yusop, 55, the participants attended a two-day course and later would make a series of jumps from the 125m Wisma Sanyan.
“Their first jump will be on Sept 15 and they are required to make at least seven jumps until Sept 17 in order for them to graduate as Malaysian BASE jumpers and listed in the Malaysia BASE Jumper Community.”
Mohd Idros also noted that before, there were fewer than 15 active BASE jumpers in the whole of Malaysia and the participation of 33 individuals—mostly locals—in the event was a positive sign.
“Sarawak for example, before we only had one active BASE jumper but now 10 out of 33 participants are from Sarawak and on Sept 17, we will have new BASE jumpers from Sarawak.”
Commenting on the wet weather, Mohd Idros, who has made 500 jumps so far, said it would not be a big problem for the participants.
“The weather is good this morning. It is suitable for the BASE jump. We only cannot conduct the activity when the wind speed is over 15 knots as it is too strong.
“This year, we have more participation from local jumpers compared to years before where most were international participants. It might due to Covid-19.”
One of the jumpers, Gary Cunningham, 51, said he had participated in BASE jumps in Sibu since 2009 and had made about 400 jumps from Wisma Sanyan.
“I’ve made about 2,200 BASE jumps all over Malaysia. Sibu is one of my favourite places. The building manager was very helpful in organising the event when we first started it here.
“They managed to get things right and they made it easy for the organiser. You have a nice building, good landing area, and very friendly people,” he said.
“I’m happy to be back. In 2019, I was told to not come back again and then there were two years of Covid-19 and it has been an interesting welcome back. I didn’t expect I will come here and people here are quite welcoming,” said Cunningham, who is also the president of the Australian BASE Jumping Association.
For the record, Sibu Resident, Wong Hee Sieng in a press conference on Wednesday (Sept 14) said that the launch would be held on Sept 16 at 8am.
It will be officiated by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development.
