Labuan: Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman is offering RM5,000 out of his own pocket as a bonus award for anyone who hauls the first 150kg marlin during the five-day International Fishing Challenge which begins here tomorrow.

Suhaili, who is also Labuan Tourism Council (LTC) Chairman, said he hoped the additional cash award would serve as an incentive to the participants to strive harder for a historic catch.

It is not impossible to catch a marlin around here, judging by past tournaments where there were two cases of more than 100kg catches.

The competition, which is part of the Labuan Sea Challenge organised by Labuan Corporation (LC), is already offering a total of RM55,000 in cash money for individual and team events. Last year's winner from Singapore has confirmed participation.

Suhaili said the competition this year would be a "turning point" because from next year Labuan would be designated as the official venue for deep-sea fishing in the Asean region.

"With this status, the island will gain wider recognition and acceptance," he added.

Presently the two other designated grounds are in Thailand and Indonesia.

"We plan to make the Labuan event the most attractive with the biggest and most prizes," Suhaili said.

He added that LC attached much importance to the fishing tournament because it is like an anchor event of the Labuan Sea Challenge held here annually.