Sports containers, healthy lifestyles of society

SIBU, 17 Oct: Positive values learned through sports should be applied in everyday life to strengthen unity and relationships within the community.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said sport is an important vehicle for bringing together multi-racial and religious communities through a spirit of cooperation, discipline and mutual respect.

He also encouraged sports associations, youth organisations, government agencies and local communities to organize activities that can be attended by all age groups, including golden citizens and people with disabilities (OKU).

"Community sports facilities like the Azman Hashim Community Sports Complex should be continuously utilised, besides we need to ensure that the cleanliness and safety of the facility are always maintained", he said.

His speech on the occasion of the National Sports Day 2026 Celebration of Sibu Division Rankings at Azman Hashim Community Sports Complex, Sibu Jaya, was read by Sarawak Premier's Political Secretary Joshua Ting Fu Ying.

King Sing said the celebration should be a platform to encourage communities to adopt healthy lifestyles through physical activity according to their ability.

"When it comes to sports, we have to prioritize health and safety aspects including taking into account self-efficacy, weather conditions and air quality, especially when there is fog", he said.

Touching on the achievements of Sarawak's athletes in national and international sporting competitions, he said, these achievements demonstrate Sarawak's potential to produce high-performance athletes.

"The Sarawak School Sports Council (MSS) sports contingent won eight gold, seven silver and 12 bronze medals at the 66th MSSM Games in Pahang and placed fourth overall, up from sixth place in the 2025 edition", he said.

He also praised the achievements of Sarawak Paralympic athletes who contributed 13 gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze medals to Malaysia at the 13th Asean Games in Korat, Thailand earlier this year.

"Great to the children of Sarawak the name of Earth Kenyalang on the stage. Let's take the spirit of National Sports Day 2026 to continue to lead healthy lifestyles", he said. - TVS