LISC 2026 Draws 5,082 Participants, Boosts Labuan Sports Tourism

LABUAN, May 3 (Bernama) -- The Labuan International Sea Challenge (LISC) 2026 has further strengthened Labuan’s position as a competitive sports tourism destination, drawing 5,082 participants across 15 events this year.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui said the total participation represented a 108.88 per cent increase compared to 2,433 in 2025, with international participation showing a significant increase when 11 countries took part this year, against seven last year.

“LISC 2026 is not merely an annual sea sports event, but carries a deeper meaning as a manifestation of cooperation, sportsmanship and a platform to showcase the uniqueness and identity of the Labuan,” he said at the closing ceremony of LISC 2026 here today.

He said the event, first held in 1997, had recorded various achievements over the years to become one of Labuan’s signature tourism events and this year, 103 participants took part in the Cross Channel Swimming Challenge, which was reintroduced after not being listed as a main event for the past three years.

According to him, the strong presence of international participants proved that Labuan remained relevant and competitive as a sports tourism destination.

Lo said the target of attracting 35,000 visitors throughout LISC 2026 had also been achieved as the economic returns from the event were encouraging for the island’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

He said last year’s Deep Sea Fishing Competition recorded a 230kg Black Marlin catch, while the total sales from this year’s fish auction amounted to RM8,817.

“The sea never promises calm waters, but it promises satisfaction to those who dare to take up the challenge…to the winners, congratulations…your success today is the result of discipline and relentless training.

“To those who did not win, do not give up…your spirit in participating in this competition has already made you a champion,” he said.

Lo expressed hope that initiatives under the Labuan 365 programme, together with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, would serve as catalysts for Labuan’s economic and tourism growth.

-- BERNAMA