KUCHING: The Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) successfully organised 162 programmes and activities throughout the state during the period of July 2025 to January 2026, reflecting its active role in empowering youth and communities.
SABERKAS President who is also Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the programmes included workshops, sports, culture, welfare and skills training implemented at the state, branch and unit levels.
“During the seven-month period, a total of 162 programmes and activities were held by SABERKAS at the state, branch and unit levels,” he said at a press conference after the 60th SABERKAS Supreme Committee Meeting here, on Thursday.
He said the total membership of SABERKAS now reached 56,750 people as of 31 January 2026, including 1,387 members at institutions of higher learning.
According to him, among the main programmes planned this year are the SABERKAS President's Cup Futsal Championship in May and the Bubur Lambuk programme which has become an iconic annual activity.
In the same press conference, Dato Sri Abdul Karim also touched on the issue of the appointment of village and community leaders (KMKK) which he said were made through an assessment and observation process, not through elections.
"KMKK leaders need to have knowledge, good character, understand the community they are leading and have a belief in it. Appointments are made through an assessment process by relevant parties and determined at the highest level," he said.
He added that the age limit and increased allowances implemented by the government are among the improvements to ensure that the KMKK appointment system remains relevant and effective.
Overall, he described the current development of SABERKAS as very encouraging with various programmes held almost weekly throughout Sarawak, thus producing a line of young leaders with high potential for the future of the state. -UKASnews
