By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 28: The Sarawak Muaythai Association (PMNS) has called on the Sarawak government to ensure that Muay Thai is included as a competitive sport in the upcoming revival of Borneo Games.
PMNS president Jumaat Ibrahim emphasised the strong regional support for Muay Thai and the positive relationships Sarawak has built with communities across Borneo, including Pontianak, Sabah, Brunei, and Labuan.
“These people are very supportive of Sarawak’s Muay Thai. In any event of Sarawak on Muay Thai, these people from Sabah, Labuan, West Kalimantan and Brunei always participate in our event.
“With that, I really hope the Sarawak government will consider seriously to include Muay Thai in Borneo Games,” he said during a press conference on Eden Idol 2024 held at Eden Garden Café, Padungan last night (Dec 27).
He added that the Sarawak Muay Thai team is currently intensifying its training and preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Games in Selangor.
Following the team’s impressive performance at this year’s Sukma, where they secured the highest number of medals in the Muay Thai sport, he expressed hope that the Sarawak government will continue to support the team in their quest to defend their title and uphold their legacy.
Regarding Eden Idol 2024, he shared that the karaoke competition is part of the Association’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, in collaboration with SSB Event Company, aimed at fostering interest in singing and promoting inclusivity across all age groups within the community.
Eden Garden owner, Habibah Mohidin, explained that the competition, held at the Café, is divided into two categories: the Veteran group for participants aged 50 and above, and the Youth group for those aged between 18 and 50.
The preliminaries are currently underway, with 17 participants in the Veteran category and 8 in the Youth category competing for a spot in the finale on Dec 31.
The champion will walk away with a cash prize of RM200, while the second and third place winners will receive RM150 and RM100, respectively. Each winner will also be awarded a trophy and a hamper.
Also present during the press conference was SSB Event director Ir Radzi who is also a Sarawakian national singer, songwriter, actor and host. – DayakDaily
