Wisma Saberkas has no link to youth group SABERKAS

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 3: The Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) today clarified that Wisma Saberkas has no official connection with the association, despite widespread public perception that the building is owned or managed by the youth-based organisation.

Its president, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, addressed the long-standing confusion during a press conference held after chairing the organisation’s annual exco meeting at UCSI Hotel here.

“Wisma Saberkas is not our asset. When it was first developed, SABERKAS was only allocated one or two floors in the building. The rest belongs to private owners,” he explained.

He confirmed that SABERKAS currently occupies the 20th floor of Wisma Saberkas, while the 19th floor is rented out to the Public Works Department (JKR).

When asked whether there are plans for SABERKAS to establish its own building or headquarters, Abdul Karim said the proposal is already under consideration especially in view of the organisation’s healthy financial standing and growing membership.

“At the moment, we do have a lot of assets—assets that generate returns. So I think the time has come for SABERKAS to have its own headquarters.

“We want a dedicated building, similar to Wisma SABATI, which functions not only as an administrative centre but also features a multipurpose hall that can be rented out for events or sports,” he said, noting how fully utilised Wisma SABATI is throughout the week.

Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts as well as Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said the proposal may be tabled at the next exco meeting and could potentially be brought to the Sarawak government for support.

“This is something we will look into seriously. I believe the timing is right for SABERKAS to have a headquarters of its own,” he added.

During the press conference, Abdul Karim also shared updates on SABERKAS’ recent activities, revealing that the organisation successfully conducted 244 programmes from November 2024 to June 2025. These covered areas such as youth development, welfare outreach, economic empowerment, and women’s affairs.

He said more programmes are lined up for the second half of the year, including the Youth Glamping Programme in Layar, Betong this August, and the SABERKAS President’s Cup Futsal Championship in Samarahan this November.

SABERKAS currently boasts 55,992 members and 82 branches across Sarawak.

Among those present at the press conference were SABERKAS Deputy President Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Secretary-General Safiee Ahmad, Women Bureau Chief Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, and Internal Auditor Dato Ahmad Ibrahim. — DayakDaily

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