Brunei Bay has the potential to become an international water sports hub

LIMBANG, 20 September: The Gulf of Brunei which includes waters near Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Labuan is potentially being developed as a major hub for the Brunei Bay Water Sports Challenge.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the proposal was discussed between the Federal Government and state governments during the Malaysia-Brunei Bilateral Meeting last year.

According to him, the promotion of the tournament can be initiated through the cooperation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as water sports enthusiasts from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan and Brunei.

"The initiative to make the Brunei Gulf a prime venue for the Brunei Bay Water Sports Challenge was also discussed at the state level of Sarawak and in last year's Malaysia-Brunei Bilateral Summit.

"We hope that this can be done and the plan will become a reality. We are optimistic this northern region will become one of the internationally recognized water sports centers", he said.

He said this while addressing the 2026 Balance Party Suspension Meeting at the Balance Riverfront Square, today.

Hasbi said he also had discussions with the Deputy Sports Minister last year who suggested that the initiative should be launched through the participation of NGOs and water sports enthusiasts.

"If I could call on our water sports NGOs in Sarawak, Sabah, especially in Limbang and Lawas, to start this effort and make this plan a reality", he said.

According to him, detailed planning and negotiations should be made between the participating provinces given that the tournament involves waters and international borders.

He said the promotion of the tournament will not only improve the quality of water sports but also highlight the Balanced and Sustainable potential in sports, economy, tourism and trade.

Hasbi said the Brunei Gulf Water Sports Challenge is a strategic initiative to bring water sports events in northern Sarawak region from the level of Balanced and Long Regatta to international competitions.

"At the same time, the promotion of the international tournament has the potential to promote Balanced and Old as a state, national and international water sports venue, alongside its strategic position bordering Brunei, Sabah and Labuan", he said. - TVS