SIBU: The celebration of Hari Sukan Negara (HSN) in Malaysia has been deemed a national imperative, in keeping with the country’s commitment to becoming a sports-oriented nation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Hari Sukan Negara 2023 was observed on October 14. However, due to coinciding with the birthday of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud, Sarawak chose to commemorate the event on October 28.
“Various activities and programmes have been organised throughout the state encompassing all kinds of sports and physical fitness activities such as cycling and walking.
“Other activities include competitions, performances, recreation, exhibitions, trial sessions, and knowledge-based programmes like workshops and more.
“These programmes and activities aim to cultivate sports in daily life and ensure that everyone adopts a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
He said this in his speech read out by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee when officiating at the programme at Dataran Tun Tunku Bujang here today (Oct 28).
The Hari Sukan Negara celebration drew participation from a total of 8,000 visitors and featured a wide range of activities.
Abang Johari asserted that Hari Sukan Negara is a governmental initiative aimed at motivating people to lead healthy, active lives.
“We want to encourage the community, especially in Sarawak, to actively engage in sports to ensure they stay fit and healthy.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports under the Sarawak State Youth and Sports Department is taking proactive steps by implementing fitness-related programmes and competitions down to the grassroots.
“This includes programmes like Fit Malaysia, Community Sports League, Malaysia Aktif in Public Housing Programme (PPR) throughout Sarawak for sports activities in PPR areas, 20 series of Aerobic Exercise, Outdoor Activities Programme for sports programmes in rural areas, Basic Swimming Skills Training Courses for children under 12, and more,” he said.
He also expressed hope that HSN can foster unity among the people by enjoying activities together with friends and family.
“Racial unity can be achieved when we reach a consensus and respect each other. Sports are a good medium to achieve unity among different races,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Gerrald Rentap Jabu, Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Deputy Speaker of Dewan Rakyat cum Lanang MP Alice Lau, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, and others.
