Deep-sea fishing tournament lures anglers to Labuan

LABUAN, July 1(Bernama) -- The Labuan International Deep Sea Fishing tournament has received an overwhelming response from anglers across Malaysia.

A total of 55 Malaysian anglers are now some 30 nautical miles off Labuan taking part in this most prestigious event of the 24th Labuan International Sea Challenge, which kicked-off today.

The event was flagged off at Public Marina jetty by Labuan Corporation (LC) acting chief executive officer Rithuan Ismail, representing Senator Datuk Bashir Alias.

Rithuan, who is also event organising chairman, said he was also happy with the overwhelming response from entrants coming from the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.

“Although we have scaled down this year’s event, this three-day anchor event of deep-sea fishing has lured many anglers from across Malaysia, using 18 deep-sea fishing vessels.

The anglers from various parts of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and various districts in Sabah and Sarawak, are vying for the total prize of RM50,000 and Daiwa fishing gear in the three-day and two-night tournament.

“We hope that through this tournament, participants could become our ambassadors in promoting Labuan not only as an attractive fishing destination but also for our geological and diving sites,” he said.

The deep-sea fishing tournament is jointly organised by Labuan Corporation and Daiwa.

Meanwhile, the public can look forward to the sale of catch during the tournament when the participants return to the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex between 8 am and 2 pm on June 3.

The prize presentation for the tournament, which is divided into various categories, will be held during a  dinner event at Plaza Berpayung at the complex, also on June 3.

--BERNAMA