1 hour ago
5
ADVERTISE HERE
(From third left) Japlin and Awang Kadin are seen during the symbolic presentation of RM1 million to Safa.
KOTA KINABALU (April 1): Cement Industries (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (CIS) has contributed RM1 million to Sabah Football Association (Safa) as a boost to state’s performance in the national football arena.
CIS chairman Datuk Japlin Akim presented the mock cheque to acting Safa president Datuk Awang Kadin Tang during a simple ceremony at the state FA office in Likas on Tuesday.
CIS human resources and corporate services senior manager Ezrie Ag Raini, Safa secretary-general Shamsuddin Mohd Shah, and Sabah Football Club (Sabah FC) chief operating officer Mohd Syazwan Imran were also present.
According to Japlin, the RM1 million boost is part of the company’s ongoing efforts of supporting football development in Sabah, particularly in strengthening talent development programmes and improving the state team’s performance.
“CIS believes that football can serve as an important platform in shaping discipline, teamwork and identity among the younger generation.
“Therefore, support like this should continue for the future of sports in the state,” said Japlin in a statement.
Speaking to reporters later, he also said the contribution was part of CIS’ strong commitment to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, particularly in the areas of community development, education, and sports in the state.
He also regarded the contribution as ‘coming at the right time’, in view of Sabah FC’s involvement in the MFL Challenge Cup final against Penang FC.
The first leg will take place at the Bandaraya Stadium in Georgtown on Saturday, followed by the next leg at Likas Stadium on April 19.
“We pray that Sabah would continue to excel so that we could provide even more support next year.
“We contributed half-million ringgit last year and for this year, it’s double that amount. Who knows – it might be RM2 million next year,” said Japlin to rousing applause from those in attendance.
Meanwhile, Awang Kadin expressed his appreciation for the contribution, describing it as both a “morale and financial boost” in efforts to strengthen Sabah football.
English (US) ·