KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) continues to play a pivotal role in boosting the state’s sports development, with the aim of producing world-class athletes.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the full support from the Sarawak government has enabled SSC to actively provide top-notch sports facilities, professional training, and nurture young talents.
He highlighted that this effort is expected to provide opportunities for athletes to grow and compete at national and international levels, positioning Sarawak as a centre of sports excellence in Malaysia.
“Our hope is for SSC to continue focusing on and guiding athletes from both urban and rural areas, with the objective of creating champions not only at the village level but also on the national, regional, and ultimately, the world stage.
"God willing, with continuous effort and prayers, this dream will come true someday," he said during the SSC 2025 Appreciation Night held at a leading hotel here on Saturday.
Expanding further, Dato Sri Abdul Karim mentioned that the Sarawak government is actively developing 18 Mini Sports Complexes in every district, which are expected to form a vital foundation for sports development and talent scouting.
Several of these complexes, he noted, have already been completed, while others are still under construction.
“Each of these sports complexes is estimated to cost between RM15 million and RM20 million and will accommodate four to five types of sports.
"Athletes showing exceptional potential will be brought to Kuching for centralised training at the Sports Village, a dedicated facility currently under construction, to prepare them for international excellence.
"With this long-term investment, we hope to establish Sarawak as a competitive sports hub in Malaysia, producing young athletes who can bring glory to Sarawak on the world stage," he added.
Besides preparations for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) to be held in Selangor in 2026, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts also shared Sarawak's potential to host international events that could benefit the economy and tourism, citing the recent success of the 2025 Cricket World Cup, which was broadcast live to 180 countries.
He urged sports associations in Sarawak to be bolder in planning and bringing large-scale sports events to the state, rather than focusing solely on smaller ones.
"Bring sports to Sarawak, whether at the national or regional level. Prepare the proposals, as our government will always give full support and will not let costs become an obstacle in expanding the sports sector,” he asserted.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim concluded his speech by expressing confidence that SSC will remain committed to achieving Sarawak’s dream of producing world champions on the global sports arena.
The event also saw 45 SSC staff members receiving the Excellent Service Award (APC), 22 receiving the 2024 Outstanding Service Award, along with tokens of appreciation presented to 11 retirees for their contributions and dedication throughout their service with SSC.
Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Morshidi Frederick, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SSC and Director of the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), Khairul Nizam Morshidi, Director of the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) and former CEO of SSC and former Director of MSNS, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, alongside other dignitaries.-UKASnews
