KUCHING — Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) Community Pickleball Training Month has attracted 168 participants since its July 1 launch, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian and Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng joining Sunday’s session at Picklepro Kuching to endorse the health initiative.
The free Saturday sessions at Tabuan Laru Family Club aim to promote active living through pickleball – North America’s fastest-growing sport now embraced in Sarawak. “Regular exercise prevents illness while building community bonds,” stated Dr. Sim during drills with seniors and youth players. The Deputy Premier confirmed plans for additional public courts amid surging interest, noting pickleball’s low-impact accessibility across age groups.
With registrations still open, MBKS Sports Coordinator Linda Jong revealed participants are preparing for the August 2-3 Kuching Festival Mayor’s Pickleball Championship featuring:
- Women’s/Men’s Doubles Open
- Mixed Doubles Open
- Veteran Men’s Doubles
Competitors will vie for cash prizes, sports equipment, and trophies.
“Beyond trophies, this fosters sportsmanship and showcases local talent,” said Mayor Wee, praising MBKS for organizing the initiative aligned with Sarawak’s Healthy City agenda. The training month responds to Kuching South’s 23% rise in adult obesity since 2022 (Health Dept. data), with pickleball burning 400+ calories hourly while reducing joint stress.
