KOTA SAMARAHAN: Every organisation that runs any event is urged to do fact-finding first before appointing any event management company.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the reason for doing so is to avoid any problems occurring after the event, especially overshoot budget issues.
“On the recent viral posting on a social media platform regarding vendors during the Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 who were not paid accordingly, it is not the ministry or the Premier office that is not paying them.
“That is a wrong perception; they (the organiser) have been paid. It was in accordance with the budget that they requested, for which they are very happy.
“The budget was approved and given to them,” he said at a press conference after the Sarawak Merdeka 60th Anniversary Convoy for Samarahan Division flagging-off ceremony at The Summer Shopping Mall, here today.
He added that before running any event, every organisation must research the details of the appointed event management company.
“When you cannot manage it well, then the problem comes in, and it is advisable for you to look for someone who has expertise in managing events,” he said.
When asked whether the ministry would interfere to solve the issue, he reassured that the matter was settled on their side.
“Nobody will allow people to come two, three times to ask for a budget, and the moment we accommodate like that, you should manage it within the amount.
“Basically, for almost all events we have, whether it is entertainment or sport, they do a briefing, they have the committee that handles the funding, and I am not on the committee.
“The company that they hired is a West Malaysian company; that is the reason why if you want to engage an event company, look into their profile, and you must have the dos and don’ts with them and emphasise what limits they can work with,” he stressed.
Abdul Karim earlier said the organisation has met with the Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his ministry for allocation for the tournament.
“They told me that they have the allocation from the Premier, and it is up to them to manage the cost. If it is not managed well, then the cost will overshoot,” he said.
Recently, a posting was circulated on social media stating that vendors of the Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023 were not paid from March 30 until today by the event organiser, and they are asking for an immediate solution from the responsible party.
