KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has approved the application of the Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS) to make the Square Tower area by the Kuching Waterfront the official venue for the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Muaythai Championship and the Borneo Cup for future editions.

DBKU Mayor, Dato Hilmy Othman said the initiative is an effort to further elevate the increasingly popular combat sport by staging it in a more open and vibrant setting at the venue which was once the original venue for muaythai events in Kuching city.

"InsyaAllah, with an agreement between DBKU and the Sarawak Muaythai Association, the Kuching Waterfront area will be made the official venue for organising the Muaythai Challenge event throughout the coming year," he said.
He said this when speaking at the 2025 TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Muaythai Championship and the Borneo Cup Participants Introduction Programme at Square Tower, Kuching Waterfront on Thursday.

Dato Hilmy added that the location was considered the most suitable place for an event like this, with the presence of local visitors and tourists who could also witness the thrilling martial arts action.

This move was also seen as a strategic initiative in promoting Kuching as a sports and tourism destination, he said.
In this regard, he reaffirmed DBKU's commitment in supporting the hosting of international-level muaythai championships within its jurisdiction.

At the same time, Dato Hilmy praised the relentless efforts of PMNS under the leadership of its President, Jumaat Ibrahim, in promoting the sport.

"The hard work of the Sarawak Muaythai Association over the years has paid off, as Sarawak is now recognised as a powerhouse in muaythai across the country.

"This was proven when we were crowned overall champions in the muaythai events at SUKMA 21 in 2024," he added.
A total of 250 local and international participants including from Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Thailand, United Kingdom, Yemen, and Iran are competing in the tournament.

Competitors will battle it out in 130 matches under the Muaythai Muaysport category and 16 Superfight Pro bouts.
Meanwhile, about 1,000 attendees were treated to opening performances featuring silat and kuntau martial arts.
Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datu Sherrina Hussaini, and President of the Sarawak Muaythai Association, Jumaat Ibrahim. -UKASnews