Abdul Karim: Sarawak poised to host high-profile martial arts competitions

KUCHING (Dec 3): The state government is ready to provide financial and logistical support for major combat sports events in Sarawak, including those ONE Championship―provided the initial groundwork is driven by the private sector and relevant martial arts associations.

Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state is well-positioned to host high-profile martial arts events, given the strong local interest and existing venue capacity.

“The question is, where is the venue?

“A venue to hold a presentation for something like a (Warzone World Championship) competition or ONE Championship,” he said when met by reporters the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building.

He noted that combat sports such as Muay Thai enjoy a strong following among fans and practitioners in Kuching and across Sarawak, making the state is a natural destination for hosting such competitions.

“For me, whether the intention is to hold it in Kuching, we know there are many fans and enthusiasts of Muay Thai and this kind of extreme martial arts,” he said.

Abdul Karim stressed that while the ministry is prepared to provide funding and other necessary support, the responsibility of organising, planning, and securing approvals lies with the official bodies and associations.

“It is up to the relevant bodies and associations to arrange it. From the ministry’s side, we will always provide support,” he said.

He added that event organisers must secure proper authorisation and accreditation from the relevant international governing bodies.

“This is what I feel the specific associations should look at.

“Approach us if they need assistance―we are always willing to support,” he said, noting that ONE Championship is considered a private-level event.

Abdul Karim also highlighted several venues in Sarawak, including Stadium Perpaduan, the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), as well as facilities in Sri Aman division.

While expressing strong support for the sport’s development, he reiterated on that proposals must come from the associations and private sector.

“I am willing to support, but I want to see this matter come from the associations and also the private sector,” he said.