THE Penang government has continued to strengthen the standing of the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) and the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR) as internationally recognised sporting events and key sports tourism attractions in the state over the past three years.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said several initiatives had been undertaken through relevant agencies, including improving event venues, strengthening strategic partnerships with the private sector and expanding international participation.
“One of the key initiatives for PBIM is the relocation of its starting and finishing points to Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan, with the race route taking participants across the Second Penang Bridge, offering them a unique running experience.
“The choice of venue also creates opportunities to extend the economic benefits to Seberang Perai, while stimulating local business activities and tourism,” he said.
Wong (PH–Paya Terubong) was responding to an oral question from Chee Yeeh Keen (PH–Bagan Jermal) at the Penang Legislative Assembly sitting today.
He added that PBIM was also pursuing World Athletics Label Race status through collaboration with Malaysia Athletics and the Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA).
“This initiative aims to strengthen the event’s technical standards and race management while enhancing PBIM’s competitiveness on the international stage,” he said.
On PIDBR, Wong said the event venue was relocated from the Teluk Bahang Dam to Straits Quay Retail Marina in 2024, where it has remained since.
“The open waterfront setting, easier accessibility and availability of facilities within the surrounding commercial area have helped make the event more appealing to participants, spectators and visitors.
“The venue also provides suitable spaces for the public to watch the races and enjoy various side activities, creating a livelier atmosphere with the potential to attract larger crowds,” he said.
Wong added that the state government had decided to retain Straits Quay Retail Marina as the venue for PIDBR in 2026.
“Maintaining the same venue allows organisers and strategic partners to plan further improvements in terms of operations, facilities, crowd management, as well as the overall experience for participants and spectators,” he said.
He said the state government also aimed to develop dragon boat racing beyond an annual event by supporting local clubs, nurturing young talent and strengthening partnerships with national and international sporting organisations.
“These efforts are intended to build a more sustainable dragon boat sporting ecosystem while attracting more athletes and visitors to Penang throughout the year,” he said.
On the economic front, Wong said both events had the potential to generate spending across various sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, retail and tourism-related activities.
“The presence of athletes, their family members, supporters and spectators creates opportunities to encourage longer stays and visits to other tourist destinations in Penang.
“An increase in visitor numbers and a livelier event atmosphere could also translate into more business for local operators.
“As such, the benefits of hosting these events extend beyond the sporting competitions themselves, bringing opportunities to tourism industry players and the local community,” he said.
Wong said the state government would continue strengthening PBIM and PIDBR as international sporting events that bring together sporting excellence, tourism experiences and economic benefits.
Story by Riadz Akmal