Pekat Pickleball debut exceeds turnout expectations

KUCHING: The inaugural Pekat Pickleball Tournament 2026 exceeded expectations, drawing about 150 participants from 28 agencies for a day of competition and camaraderie.

Organised by Pekat Group Berhad together with its subsidiaries and associate companies, the tournament was held at Pikabol Malaysia, Jalan Pending, here.

Azlina speaks to reporters on the Pekat Pickleball Tournament 2026. Photo: Sarawak Tribune

Pekat Energy Sarawak director Azlina Zulkipli said the encouraging response had given the group confidence to organise the tournament again next year.

“This is the first time Pekat has organised the tournament, so we hope to have another one in 2027,” she told reporters when met at the venue today (Oct 4).

She said the participating agencies included Sarawak Energy, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Malaysian Government Servants Welfare and Sports Council (MAKSAK), and the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (SABATI).

The tournament featured 28 teams comprising six to eight players each, competing in VIP and team events.

The team events included men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles categories.

Azlina said the tournament was also aimed at strengthening ties among the pickleball enthusiasts who took part.

“The objective is to strengthen the ties and relationships among the pickleball enthusiasts who attended,” she said.

Mohamad Abu Bakar (left) follows the action during the pickleball tournament. Photo: Sarawak Tribune

State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki officiated at the closing ceremony.

Beyond the competition, the tournament also aimed to strengthen Pekat’s relationships with stakeholders and local communities in Sarawak, where the Group has established a presence through Pekat Energy Sarawak Sdn Bhd (PES).

Supported by Pekat Group’s expertise in solar photovoltaic solutions, earthing and lightning protection, power distribution, and operations and maintenance, PES has been involved in renewable energy initiatives serving communities, businesses and projects in the state.

In Sarawak, Pekat has also been involved in the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES), leveraging its solar energy and engineering expertise to support rural electrification initiatives across the state.

PES continues to support these systems through maintenance works covering five SARES clusters, demonstrating the Group’s capabilities across the renewable energy lifecycle, from project implementation to ongoing operations and maintenance.

Through initiatives such as the Pekat Pickleball Tournament 2026, the Group aims to encourage stakeholder engagement, promote wellness and strengthen its ties with the communities where it operates.