Daily Express

LABUAN:  A record number of 183 anglers, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, have signed up for the Labuan International Fishing Challenge 2003. 

Labuan Corporation (LC) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Noor Moktar, who disclosed this in a press conference here Thursday,

  Mohd Noor ( right ) and Siti Maznah,   Director of Tourism & Culture, showing one of the trophies of the fishing competition.

"Since the competition has become famous and gained international status, mere participation in it is already an achievement and recognition itself," he said.

He said the designated grounds for the competition - Layang-Layang which is 175 nautical miles from here is a well known fishing haven, having generated record-breaking catches.

The last one was a 13.5 ruby snapper, which made it into the world book of records for this species of fish.

Mohd Noor said the Fishing Challenge, divided into team and individual categories, will be flagged off on April 29 at 9 am and the participants will return here on May 4.

The Fishing Challenge is one of the four component events of the Labuan Sea Challenge - the others being the Round-the-island Kayak Race, Cross-island Swimming and Underwater Treasure Hunt.

According to Mohd. Noor, the response to all competitions have been good.

He also said local Membr of Parliament Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman will launch the Labuan Sea Challenge on April 28 and Minister in the Prime Minister Department Senator Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor will officiate at the closing ceremony and give away the prizes on May 4 - SOHAN DAS