KUCHING — Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki officiated the flag handover ceremony for 98 Yayasan Sarawak athletes competing in the 15th Malaysian State Foundation Sports Festival (PESAYA) on Wednesday.
The contingent will represent Sarawak at the July 10-14 event in Kelantan, joining competitors from nine other states in Malaysia’s premier foundation sports championship.
As Yayasan Sarawak Deputy Chairman, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar presented the state flag to Foundation Director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin, who subsequently transferred it to contingent head Zamahari Saidi.
“PESAYA transcends medal counts,” the Secretary emphasized. “It’s a vital platform fostering interstate camaraderie and professional bonds that endure beyond the games.”
The festival features 11 disciplines: futsal, badminton, tenpin bowling, netball, volleyball, darts, e-sports, carrom, pétanque, table tennis, and golf. Sarawak’s delegation includes emerging talents from Yayasan’s comprehensive sports development program, which has produced national-level athletes since 2015.
Datuk Amar urged athletes to embody Sarawakian values: “Carry our foundation’s name with dignity. Demonstrate true sportsmanship that earns respect across Malaysia.”
The Secretary highlighted PESAYA’s role in strengthening East-West Malaysia ties, noting participation has grown 40% since Sarawak joined in 2009.
The Kelantan edition marks PESAYA’s post-pandemic resurgence, with Sabah, Johor, Terengganu, Selangor, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Kedah, and Perlis completing the 10-state lineup. Yayasan Sarawak last claimed the overall championship in 2018.
