Labuan: The Borneo International Yachting Challenge has sprung two new support industries in Miri, Sarawak which not only boost the income of the locals but also increase the interest in sailing activities.
"Miri will embark on leisure and racing boat building industry, and this also include boat maintenance and repair sector to cater for the region.
"I was made to understand that Miri Marina owner (Troy Yaw) has received orders for ten racing class boats. This will be good for the local community as it provides employment opportunities, which will be their source of income.
"It is also a testimony that we possess the expertise in this high-end industry," Assistant Minister of Social Development and Urbanisation (Sports) Datuk Lee Kim Shin revealed this yesterday in Labuan.
Lee added that the availability of locally built boats would reduce the cost to own them.
A locally built boat carries a price tag of around RM200,000 which is far much cheaper than buying them from overseas.
"This will encourage the locals to own boats and more will take up sailing as a hobby or for sports, especially among our youths," said Lee who is also the joint main organising committee co-chairman of the Borneo International Yachting Challenge.
