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KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) is making major strides in strengthening the state’s sports development, aiming to produce world-class athletes through government-backed initiatives and infrastructure projects.
Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Sarawak government in providing top-tier sports facilities, professional training, and talent development opportunities for young athletes.
“We want SSC to continue supporting and guiding athletes from urban and rural areas, turning them into champions at national and international levels,” he said during the SSC 2025 Appreciation Night held at a prestigious hotel in Kuching on Saturday.
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18 Mini Sports Complexes to Enhance Talent Development
To further strengthen Sarawak’s position as a sports powerhouse, the state government is currently constructing 18 Mini Sports Complexes across various districts. These complexes are set to become key hubs for grassroots sports development and talent scouting.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim revealed that several complexes have already been completed, while others are still under construction.
“Each complex costs between RM15 million and RM20 million and will cater to four to five different sports. Exceptional athletes will be selected for centralized training at the Sports Village in Kuching, a specialized facility currently under development,” he added.
With this long-term investment, Sarawak aims to become a leading sports hub in Malaysia, producing athletes who can compete on the world stage.
Sarawak to Host More International Sporting Events
Apart from training young athletes, the state government is also working towards hosting major international sporting events. Dato Sri Abdul Karim cited the success of the 2025 Cricket World Cup, which was broadcast to 180 countries, as an example of how sports can boost both tourism and the economy.
He encouraged Sarawak’s sports associations to take bold steps in organizing large-scale events rather than focusing solely on local competitions.
“We want sports to come to Sarawak. Submit your proposals, and the government will fully support these initiatives. Costs will not be an obstacle in expanding the sports industry here,” he assured.
Recognizing Excellence in Sarawak Sports
During the event, 45 SSC staff members received the Excellent Service Award (APC), while 22 staff members were honored with the 2024 Outstanding Service Award. Additionally, 11 retirees were recognized for their dedication and contributions to SSC.
Among the notable attendees were Morshidi Frederick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Khairul Nizam Morshidi, Acting CEO of SSC, and Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, Director of Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
With these ongoing efforts, Sarawak’s dream of producing world-class athletes is closer than ever. — EDISI UKAS