Premier calls for fair usage fees, full utilisation for sports facilities in Sarawak

SIMANGGANG (Feb 9): The usage fees for sports facilities in Sarawak should be at reasonable rates, in view of the state government having already provided the allocations for their development.

In making this call, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said facilities such as stadiums and sports fields – all covered under the allocations – should be fully and actively utilised rather than being left idle.

To him, all sports facilities must benefit the people, particularly the youths and school-children.

“Don’t build a stadium only for it to be left unused until the grasses grow long.

“Build the stadium and open it to schools. Let the schools use it,” he said in his speech for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Sarawak Games (Suksar) at the Sri Aman Sports Complex Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The Premier said the state government, under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), would continue to upgrade and improve sports venues across Sarawak, but he also stressed that any improve-ments must come with proper utilisation.

“The stadium needs to be upgraded; the venue must be improved.

“I have to look at the ‘pocket’ to see if it’s enough to be given to the minister in charge of sports – in his capacity as the minister, not personally,” quipped Abang Johari.

Back on a serious note, the Premier also said Sarawak was fortunate to have many sports fields and facilities compared to those in other states, which often had to seek federal funding.

“In Sarawak, we don’t ask. We build it ourselves for the sake of our youths.

“My only request is that these facilities be fully utilised,” he added.

Abang Johari also highlighted a new approach by the state government in promoting a healthi-er lifestyle – having government officers’ housing to be near sports facilities.

“I want to place these houses near the sports fields so that the officers can go jogging, use the facilities and take care of their health.

“Regular exercise is essential in preventing health problems,” he said.

On the just-concluded Suksar, Abang Johari congratulated the Youth and Sports Ministry, the residents and all those involved in ensuring the successful organisation of the Games’ fourth edition.

“To those who did win, congratulations on your success in the fourth Suksar.

“I hope that Suksar would serve as a platform to produce athletes capable of succeeding at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) level.”

The Premier also thanked the young athletes for their participation and commitment.

“Sports are not only about becoming champions; they are also about maintaining good health and overall well-being.”

Also present yesterday were Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his deputy Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu – also Suksar IV organising committee chairman; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent De-velopment, and Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Chief Political Secretary to Sarawak Premier and Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; Engkilili assem-blyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa; and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik.