By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 24: The Sarawak Media Sports Carnival (KASUMeS) will now be made an annual event in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) to further strengthen ties between the Sarawak government and the State’s media fraternity.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the programme, organised by Ukas, not only promotes recreation and a healthy lifestyle, but also serves as a platform for meaningful engagement between government officials and media practitioners.
“We will continue to organise this programme every year in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day, with events held across different zones, namely in Miri, Sibu, and Kuching.
“For now, we are starting with a few selected sports, including pickleball, badminton, futsal, and so on,” he said during the opening ceremony of KASUMeS 2025 Southern Zone at Pickleball MUSC Sarawak here today.
Abdullah added that various new activities, including outdoor programmes, are being considered for future editions.
“As media practitioners, regardless of agency, we often only meet at formal events or press conferences. So, programmes like KASUMeS give us space for informal gatherings.
“Perhaps in the future, we can organise activities such as mountain climbing, jungle trekking, or visits to destinations like Bakun or Mulu which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“For those interested in such activities, Insya-Allah, we will make the necessary plans,” he said.
Abdullah also proposed the formation of official sports teams by media agencies and suggested establishing a small committee of media representatives to assist UKAS in coordinating future events.
He urged the media to continue playing their vital role as a strategic partner of the State government by delivering accurate, responsible, and ethical reporting.
“I hope the media community will continue working with the government to ensure all state initiatives and efforts reach the people.
“It is important that we communicate the policies and agenda driven by the Premier clearly, ensuring they are understood by every quarter of society,” he said.
KASUMeS 2025 successfully brought together media practitioners from various print, broadcast, and digital agencies across Sarawak in a relaxed, healthy, and harmonious setting, further strengthening the spirit of unity within the State media fraternity.
Also present was UKAS director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan. — DayakDaily
