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| Abdul Karim (centre) with (from right) Twite, Elly, Ong and Silas giving their thumbs-up during a photo-call. |
KUCHING: Some 4,000 bikers from around Borneo, as well as Australia, New Zealand and the United States, are expected at the Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW) 2017 to be held at CityONE Megamall here from Oct 13 to 15.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state government and his ministry are fully supporting the event.
“I believe this will be a grander event than the one organised in 2015 and we will have no problem bringing in the number of participants.
“Some 1,000 VIBs (very important bikers) can be expected at the gala dinner where our governor (Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud) and chief minister (Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg) will be with us.
“Besides, our chief minister will ride with us on Oct 14. Definitely he won’t want to miss this particular event,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
Abdul Karim said he was made to understand that quite a number of dignitaries from Peninsular Malaysia are expected for the three-day biennial event.
“This will make the event much grander than before (2015). Furthermore, professional stuntman Aaron Twite from the USA will be showcasing his skills,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that this year’s KIBW will differ slightly from KIBW 2015 as the route would be different.
“Last time, they went to Benuk. It is probably a different longhouse this time. A bike festival does not run away from music, riding, showing of stunt and a bike clinic.
“It is also about meeting bikers from outside Sarawak, an event of getting together”.
Themed ‘Brotherhood Beyond Boundaries’, KIBW 2017 is jointly organised by Iron Tiger Bike Club Kuching and Borneo Tru Events to foster a deeper bond within the biker community on Borneo island, the Asean region and beyond.
Twite, who was also at the press conference, said: “Kuching is one of my favourite places from all over the world.”
Event director Silas M. Martin, meanwhile, advised bikers to register as a VIB as soon as possible in order to obtain shirts matching their sizes.
“VIB participation fee is RM250 per person and includes benefits such as free VIB parking (for motorcycles only), exclusive KIBW apparel and gifts.
“Registered VIBs will be lavished at the KIBW gala dinner to be held at Pullman Kuching. They will stand to win a brand new Harley Davidson at the gala dinner lucky draw,” he said.
The event will also include motorcycle and accessory showcases, trade fair, talent contests and powerful performances featuring some of the best local artistes to inject some rocking fuel.
A motorcycle safety clinic will also be held to groom new and skilled riders in road and motorcycle safety skills.
Among those present were Iron Tiger Bike Club Kuching president Datin Sri Elly Zalilah and Sarawak Sports Cooperation chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee.
For event updates, programmes and VIB registration, visit www.kibw.com.my and Facebook page www.facebook.com/KIBW2017. Email to kibw2017@gmail.com for enquiries. -TheBorneoPost
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