Sarawak steps up search for boxing talent through Sarawakku Sayang Betong programme

By DayakDaily Team

BETONG, Sept 25: Sarawak is stepping up efforts to broaden its boxing talent pool by using grassroots programmes such as the Boxing Clinic held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme in Betong Division.

Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said developing a larger pool of young boxers was crucial to producing more competitive athletes and ensuring Sarawak could field representatives across various weight categories.

He said the initiative was also aimed at strengthening the State’s boxing performance at future sporting events, following Sarawak’s failure to meet its target at the previous Malaysia Games (Sukma).

“We want to see a larger pool of talent among our athletes so that boxing can continue to improve. At the last Sukma, we did not achieve our target because other states have also improved.

“So, we want more of our athletes to get involved in the sport. With a larger talent pool, we can then fill all the categories, such as featherweight, bantamweight and others,” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

Gerald highlighted this when met by the media after the pre-launch ceremony of the Sarawakku Sayang Programme for Betong Division at the Betong Sports Complex here today.

He said the Boxing Clinic also provided an avenue for members of the public, particularly young people, to meet sporting icons and gain exposure to the sport.

“This can help inspire more young people to take up boxing and potentially develop their interest into a competitive sporting pathway,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gerald said the three-day SKS Programme in Betong was expected to draw more than 120,000 visitors while providing a platform for the public to access information on government services.

He said the programme was designed as a one-stop centre where people could obtain information and assistance, including on digital services such as Sarawak ID.

“We want SKS to become a one-stop centre that provides information directly to the people.

“If there are any complaints or problems, we can take action more quickly, particularly in terms of digitalisation, as we are now using many new applications such as Sarawak ID,” he said.

Gerald, who is also Layar assemblyman, said upgrading works at Stadium Taha Ariffin were currently underway and were expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

He said the works included improvements to the stadium’s turf, changing rooms, seating and safety facilities.

“We want to ensure that this facility is not only used for football but is also conducive and safe.

“If the stadium is full, emergency preparedness is very important. That is why we need to work together with the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

“We will also conduct safety audits in stages so that the stadium can be used to a higher standard and in a safer manner,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Deputy Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, and Economic Planning Unit (EPU) director Datu Ir Ts Awang Mohd Fadillah Awang Redzuan. — DayakDaily

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