KUCHING – The traditional martial art of silat is a vital platform for nurturing a generation of disciplined and competitive young people, going beyond its status as a cultural heritage.
This perspective was shared by Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) Kuching Region Silat Arts Festival 2025 on Sunday, Dr. Hazland emphasized the martial art’s unique ability to foster holistic development.
He noted that silat instills not just physical and mental strength, but also emotional and spiritual resilience, which are crucial for building character.
The event, held at the Kampung Tunku Community Hall, saw a gathering of 392 practitioners from various schools across Kuching and Samarahan.
“This is the best way for us to build the future, especially for young silat practitioners,” he stated, highlighting that the discipline learned extends beyond the training arena.
“It forms discipline not only in terms of art, but also encompasses physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and community unity.”
Dr. Hazland, who is also the Demak Laut assemblyman, pointed to silat’s international recognition, including its inclusion in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, as proof of its promising future.
He suggested that silat holds significant economic potential for the state, envisioning it as an industry that could empower youth through training academies, tournaments, and related economic activities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he announced a grant of RM10,000 to RSS Kuching to support its programs.
“The Sarawak Government always supports all activities and programmes carried out by Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS),” he added.
According to the Chairman of RSS Kuching Region, Abdul Taib Yusup, the primary goal of the festival was to identify emerging talent with the potential to represent Sarawak on state, national, and even international stages.
The ceremony was also attended by notable figures, including RSS President Muhd Haneef Ali and Vice President I Mohamed Ali Zainuddin.