By NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Sarawak will set aside a sum of RM6.1 million next year for youth development and mass sport programmes.
Finance and New Economy Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said sports, arts, and culture are important as they reflect one’s self-identity, unite the people, and produce avenues for self-expression and creativity.
“In Sarawak, youth represent 1.2 million or 43 percent of our population. They are our future leaders who will inherit our place.
“Therefore, we will continue to emphasise the promotion and preservation of our culture and arts as part of our rich heritage.
“Our initiatives to develop youth talents in arts and culture particularly in music, film, theatre, and innovation programmes will be intensified by setting up the Sarawak Youth Creative Industry Fund,” he said when tabling the Supply (2023) Bill, 2022 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Nov 21).
Adding on, he said that the fund, with an allocation of RM9 million has enabled the youth to participate in international programmes, such as World Championship of Performing Arts, as well as venturing into digital creative contents.
“As such, we will continue to mobilise our youth as a productive force in our society.
“We will develop them as entrepreneurs by providing training and financial assistance.
“In 2023, a sum of RM2 million will be allocated for the implementation of various activities under the Youth Entrepreneur Development,” he said.
Meanwhile, touching on developing and upgrading sports facilities, he said the State Budget has set aside RM47 million for various sport facilities, including upgrading and refurbishing the existing facilities.
The allocation will benefit the sports facilities at Petra Jaya; Wushu Training and Competition Centre, Petra Jaya; Sebauh Sport Complex, Bintulu; Selangau Mini Sports Complex; and upgrading of Stadium Balingian.
Apart from that, the state government will also provide RM41 million to the Sarawak Sports Corporation and RM17 million to the Sarawak State Sports Council to fund their operations.
“Through sports, we can develop a culture of self-discipline among our youths and maintain physical and mental fitness.
“Sarawak has proven that our mission to produce world-class-athletes is not just an expression. This was manifested by the achievement of our Sarawakian athletes representing Malaysia at the Tokyo Olympics Games and Paralympics Games 2021.
“In line with our aspiration to make Sarawak a national sports powerhouse, we already have three Olympians, and by the year 2030, we target to produce eight Olympians,” he said.
