KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is ready to consider constructing its own futsal courts if the demand and interest in the sport continue to rise in the state.

Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the government always takes facility development needs into account when a particular sport receives high participation from the community.

“We may consider the matter, but of course, we need to look at the budget position first,” he said.

He said this while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) President’s Cup Futsal Championship at the Simpang Tiga Sports Arena here on Friday.

In the meantime, Dato Sri Abdul Karim noted that he did not expect such a large turnout for the inaugural tournament, which brought together 34 teams from across Sarawak, ranging from Tanjong Datu to Ba’Kelalan.

The Minister, who is also the President of SABERKAS, said the current positive development of futsal shows that the sport is increasingly gaining a place among Sarawakians, especially the youth.

Accordingly, he said this championship will continue and be held annually, making it a yearly SABERKAS event to encourage healthy activities through sports.

Also present were Daro Assemblyman and SABERKAS Secretary-General Dr Safiee Ahmad, Senator Dato’ Ahmad Dato’ Sri Ibrahim, and other distinguished guests. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Ryan Lim