Minister says the convergence of more than 4,000 bikers on the state’s capital shows it is capable of hosting international big bike events

This city has what it takes to become the key destination for high-powered motorcycling event, as shown by the huge turnout for this year’s Kuching International Bike Week (KIBW) with the participation of bikers from foreign countries.

According to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the KIBW is a unique platform for motorcycling and riding tours enthusiasts.

“We see the groups come in droves for the KIBW, which was first held two years ago. We estimate that there are more than 4,000 converging here,” he told thesundaypost before flagging off KIBW 2017’s ‘City Ride’ at Kuching City South Commission (MBKS) headquarters parking lot yesterday.

“We see groups coming not just from all across Malaysia, but also from Brunei and Indonesia – some even come from Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” the minister added.

Abdul Karim said the government would continue supporting such event, hoping that the KIBW would stand as one of many iconic events for the city in years to come.

Prior to the ‘City Ride’, participants and spectators were treated to a moto-stunt showcase by Aaron Twite, who performed several daring manoeuvres on his highly-modified superbike.

The ‘City Ride’, on the other hand, gathered members of various motorcycles clubs who later toured the city before heading to KIBW 2017 main hosting venue, the CityOne Megamall here.

Meanwhile, KIBW 2017 organising chairperson Datin Seri Elly Zaliha said this year’s event also highlighted the

KIBW theme song, which was revealed before Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the KIBW 2017 dinner last night at Pullman Hotel Kuching.

The flag-off yesterday was witnessed by Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Kuching South mayor Datuk James Chan.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Saiful Bahari

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