Premier commits to sports devt as long-term investment (Video)

SIMANGGANG (Feb 8): The state government remains committed to developing sports alongside economic growth, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He added that sports development is a long-term investment for Sarawak, stressing that efforts to raise standards among local athletes must go hand in hand with infrastructure upgrades and adequate funding.

“As we develop our economy, we must also develop our sports. Sarawak is prepared to invest in sports development to elevate the standard of athletes from the state,” he stressed when officiating the closing ceremony of the 2026 Sarawak Games (Suksar) at the Sri Aman Sports Complex Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Sarawak’s decision to co-host the 2027 SEA Games despite the high cost was also highlighted.

“For Sarawak and for Malaysia, we are willing to do it because exposure at major international events would allow Sarawakian athletes to benchmark themselves against higher standards and further improve their performance,” he said.

“I would like to thank and congratulate the athletes, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, as well as the residents and organising committees who have made the fourth Suksar a success,” he remarked before officially declaring the games closed.

Meanwhile, the Northern Zone reclaimed the overall title after ending the Southern Zone’s reign over two previous editions. Its contingent amassed 39 gold, 37 silver and 32 bronze medals for a total of 108 medals ahead of the arch rival (30-28-24) over four days of competition in 11 sports. The Central Zone and Western Zone finished third and fourth respectively.

Northern Zone assistant chief de mission Abang Zainuddin Abang Turkey sttributed their victory to careful planning and thorough preparation.

“In the last Suksar, the Southern Zone won it. We gave them a good fight but we were not that lucky. This time, we prepared ourselves mentally and physically, and thank God, we made it,” the Bintulu deputy resident told reporters.

The score is now two overall titles each for the two dominant zones over the four editions of Suksar.

The Northern Zone was overall champion at the inaugural games in 2017.

A total of 773 athletes participated in

Suksar IV 2026 which was held in Sri Aman, Betong and Lubok Antu.

Also present during the closing ceremony were Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu who is also Suksar IV 2026 organising committee chairman, Deputy Minister of Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier and Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik.