Sarawakian bodybuilders seek federal aid for international competitions

KUCHING (Aug 14): Sarawakian bodybuilders are calling on the Malaysian government for better assistance, especially financially, for international competitions.

Dr Malvern Abdullah and Philomena Dexclyn Siar pointed out competing in the sport internationally is very challenging.

“It would be nice if we receive better funding from the Malaysian government because the cost to prepare for competitions can be quite substantial,” Philomena told reporters upon her arrival at the Kuching International Airport last night.

Philomena and Malvern had returned from representing Malaysia at the 56th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships 2024 in Batam, Indonesia, where they both won gold medals.

Malvern pointed out that both he and Philomena have always brought home medals from international competitions.

He explained that bodybuilding demands not only physical strength and muscle development but also a high level of discipline, mental fortitude, and strategic planning.

“During the competition in Batam recently for example, I know my fellow contestants have studied all of the contestants competing hence I have to do my homework as well.

“Strategic planning is thus important for anyone who wants to compete in this sport and it is not only just discipline,” he said.

Sarawak Bodybuilding Association president Datuk Wee Hong Seng also hoped the Malaysian government would provide more assistance to bodybuilders who represent the country.

“The government should recognise that bodybuilding has brought a lot of honour to the country and our bodybuilders never failed to win top honours in competitions.

“I think it is only right that our bodybuilders be given better attention from our government,” he told reporters.

During the 56th Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships, which is also known as Mr Asia 2024, Sarawakians also contributed two bronze medals to the Malaysian contingent’s overall 14-medal haul of five gold, two silver, and seven bronze.

“Another athlete, Joseph Ladi, although he was representing Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in Mr Asia 2024 and bagged a bronze medal, he is from Sarawak and we are proud of his achievement too.

“Malaysia also ranked third place amongst all 30 contingents competing this year and Mr Asia 2024 gathered 220 athletes from 30 countries across Asia,” added Wee.

The competition organised by the Indonesian Bodybuilding Fitness Federation was supported by Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (ABPF), under the sanction of World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF).