Sarawak ramps up sports infrastructure to nurture world-class athletes, says Abd Karim

SONG (Feb 14): The Sarawak government is stepping up efforts to develop international-standard sports infrastructure across the state as part of a long-term plan to produce high-calibre athletes capable of competing globally.

State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Hamzah said Sarawak’s strong financial position and prudent economic management under Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg have allowed the state to invest heavily in sports facilities, not only in urban centres but also in rural towns like Song.

“Our financial management has been very good and our economy is strong. We do not want to excel only in economic terms, but also in other fields, especially sports. We want Sarawak to become a sports powerhouse,” he said during the launching ceremony for the upgraded Song Sports Stadium here.

He emphasised that producing champion athletes requires proper and accessible infrastructure across the state.

“To become a sports powerhouse, we must have facilities throughout Sarawak. That is why we are giving emphasis to both urban and rural areas so that our youths can train properly and schools can use these facilities to identify new talents,” he said.

Abdul Karim revealed that about 25 mini sports complexes are either completed, under construction, or in the planning stage statewide, each involving substantial government allocations to reflect Sarawak’s commitment to sports development.

He noted that the upgraded running track at Song Sports Stadium meets high standards and represents a significant achievement for a small town.

“It was unthinkable before that a standard running track of near international quality could be built in a town like Song.

“We will continue upgrading facilities in other areas so that more places can enjoy similar amenities,” he said.

Abdul Karim also urged local authorities and facility managers to ensure the infrastructure is well maintained and protected from vandalism, stressing that public assets must benefit the community.

He said the ministry will review rental rates to ensure facilities remain affordable for schools, village committees, and local associations.

“There is no point building facilities if people cannot afford to use them. Our intention is for these infrastructures to be fully utilised by the rakyat,” he said.

Highlighting Sarawak’s sporting achievements, Abdul Karim pointed to the state’s emergence as overall champion at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) after a 30-year wait, crediting systematic planning and investment in infrastructure for the success.

He added that with continued emphasis on talent identification through annual state-level competitions and improved infrastructure, Sarawak is on track to produce more national and international-level athletes in the coming years.

“We are on the way to that. Give us a few more years and you will see more Sarawak athletes representing Malaysia at the highest level,” he said.

Also present were State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports Development) Gerald Rentap Jabu; Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan; Political Secretary to the Minister of Works Alvin Runggah; Kapit Division Resident Elvis Didit; Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Watson Awan Jalai; Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dzulkornain Masron; and JKR Sarawak Senior Assistant Director (Monitoring and Project Implementation Branch) Ir Ts Bujang Kanan.