KOTA SAMARAHAN – The Resident and District Office (R&DO) Sports Carnival 2025 officially opened in Kota Samarahan on Thursday, bringing together civil servants from 12 administrative divisions across Sarawak.
The event aims to strengthen unity, discipline, and cooperation within the state’s civil service while promoting a culture of sports and healthy living.
The opening ceremony was held at the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation Auditorium and officiated by Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, who read the speech on behalf of Sarawak Deputy Secretary to the State Government (Administration), Datu Buckland Bangik.
In his remarks, Datu Buckland emphasised that the carnival is more than just a sporting competition. “This carnival is not just a sports competition event but is a platform that strengthens the spirit of togetherness, fosters discipline, promotes a healthy lifestyle and enhances organisational cooperation in the Sarawak administration,” he said.
The carnival, hosted in Samarahan, will run from 7 to 9 November 2025 and feature five sports events: football, netball, badminton, table tennis, and pickleball.
Matches will be held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and The Summer Mall, providing modern facilities for participants and spectators alike.
According to Datu Buckland, sports activities play a vital role in nurturing civil servants to adopt healthier lifestyles, which in turn enhances both physical and mental fitness.
“Physical and mental fitness will further strengthen our ability to work more productively and innovate in delivering excellent and effective services to the community,” he added.
The carnival also serves as a platform for fostering camaraderie among divisions, encouraging teamwork, and building stronger bonds across the state’s administrative network. The event is expected to boost morale and inspire civil servants to embrace sports as part of their daily lives.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials including Sarikei Division Resident Datu Michael Ronnie Langgong, Mukah Division Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh, Betong Division Resident Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, as well as Residents from Sibu, Kuching, Miri, Limbang, Serian, Sri Aman, and Kapit Divisions.
The Acting Resident of Bintulu Division, deputy residents, and district officers were also present, reflecting the wide participation and support for the carnival.
The R&DO Sports Carnival is held once every few decades, making the 2025 edition a significant milestone for Sarawak’s civil service.
Beyond competition, the carnival underscores the importance of unity, resilience, and collective spirit in delivering effective governance and public service.
