By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, July 30: It is important for gamers to partake in sports and socialising activities to avoid spending too much time sitting in front of their screen.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said while his ministry is supportive of developing e-sports in Sarawak, he advised youngsters to take care of their health too.
“Apart from you (youngsters) being involved in gaming, you must think about (undertaking) other sports also, activities that can make you sweat. Because if you are to sit in front of the screen from the day until night, it may not be good for your back.
“You have to mix around, learn all those soft skills you can develop when you meet friends or when you are on the field. There’s a lot that you can learn from there. It’s not just about being in front of the screen, indulging in virtual fighting,” he said after officiating at the Kuching Festival Esports Challenge 2022 held at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium today.
The Esports Challenge 2022 programme, organised by MBKS and Sarawak E-Sports Association (SESA), is one of the activities held in conjunction with the Kuching Festival, which will run from July 29 until Aug 21.
Two esports events are being held, namely Mobile Legend Bang Bang on July 30 and 31 and Tekken on Aug 6 and 7.
Abdul Karim further said that e-sports athletes will not be left out in receiving incentives from the Sarawak government as they are now recognised internationally in the Sea Games or Commonwealth Games.
“If the athletes secure podium finishes, they get (incentives) just like other athletes,” he explained.
He also expressed that he was proud of SESA president Afiq Fadhli Narawi who has been nominated to lead the Malaysian contingent for the e-sports event at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, England.
He also mentioned that 25-year-old Nadrah Saufi from Sibu is the first Sarawakian named to the national e-sports squad for the competition, which will be organised as a demonstration event at the 22nd Commonwealth Games.
Amongst those present were MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Mayor Hilmy Othman, MBKS city secretary Zainab Marzali, Kuching Festival 2022 organising chairman Goh Tze Hui, Kuching Festival Esports Challenge 2022’s organising chairperson Cr Kho Teck Wan and Afiq. — DayakDaily
