By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 18: Sarawak is exploring the introduction of a sports science course in its tertiary institutions to bolster the region’s sports industry.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that discussions have been ongoing with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development regarding this initiative.
“I believe this must begin at the secondary school level, particularly in sports schools. Once athletes are trained and nurtured from a young age, they can choose to pursue sports science at the university level,” he told a press conference after launching the Borneo Cricket Ground and officiating the opening of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Petra Jaya here, today.
He suggested that institutions such as i-CATS, Swinburne University, and Curtin University could offer the course, fostering cultural and sports exchanges among students.
Abang Johari highlighted Sarawak’s pool of talented athletes, citing Bala “Kuda” Ditta, a versatile track and field athlete, and national diver Dato Pandelela Rinong Pamg as prime examples.
“Even the national women’s cricket team captain is Sarawakian, and I believe our footballers have great potential, though they currently lack the environment and exposure needed to excel,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the governing body for selecting Sarawak as the host for the cricket tournament.
“Cricket is immensely popular in countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and the United Kingdom, with massive audiences. It is crucial to equip Sarawak to host more sporting events,” he said.
Abang Johari also congratulated the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, led by Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, for successfully attracting numerous domestic and international sporting events to Sarawak.
The Premier reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to enhancing and developing sports venues across the region to host more international events and to nurture local athletes to compete at global standards.
“First, we must have the proper grounds and facilities to train our athletes to meet international standards. We want Sarawakian and Malaysian children to excel in sports,” he emphasised.
He noted the government’s significant investment in upgrading sports infrastructure, including the Borneo Cricket Ground, which cost over RM6 million and meets international standards. The facility also includes amenities to accommodate international media.
Sarawak, he added, will continue managing and improving sports facilities in preparation to co-host the 2027 SEA Games, with the opening ceremony set to take place in Kuching.
Malaysian Cricket Association patron Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Youth and Sports Development Minister Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee, permanent secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datu Sherrina Hussaini, and permanent secretary to Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Morshidi Frederick were among those present. — DayakDaily
