Abang Mohamad Porkan (front, fourth right) flags off the participants of the 3.5km Fun Run at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang in Sibu. On his right is Ting.
SIBU (Sept 13): The SarawakX-Tive programme kicked off at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here this morning, gathering more than 1,500 people from various backgrounds who took part in sports, recreational and community activities aimed at fostering healthy living and strengthening unity.
Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, who officiated at the opening ceremony, hailed the initiative as being more than just a sporting programme, as it was also a platform for community-building.
“Through this programme, we want to instil in the community the awareness of the importance of sports and physical activity as part of daily life.
“At the same time, it provides an avenue to foster friendship and unity among participants from different communities and age groups,” he said in his speech.
Abang Mohamad Porkan also emphasised that the initiative supported the state government’s broader vision of nurturing a healthy, energetic, and productive generation capable of contributing positively to Sarawak’s development.
“This is not just about sports, but also about building character, discipline and teamwork – all essential values for the community.
“We want to see the younger generation develop into holistic individuals who are ready to take on future challenges,” he said.
The two-day programme features a variety of activities, including a mass aerobics session, 3.5km Fun Run, a tug-of-war event, Strongman Challenge, blowpipe competition, car-boot sale, as well as exhibitions run by government agencies and the local entrepreneurs.
Abang Mohamad Porkan said the strong response from the public reflected the growing interest in sports and recreational activities as means of improving physical fitness, while bringing people together.
“The level of participation today is very encouraging. I believe that the event will continue to be an annual affair.
“It also shows that people in Sibu are keen on making sports and exercise part of their lives, while also taking the opportunity to build stronger social ties,” he added.
Also present were deputy permanent secretary to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dolhadi Marzuki; and political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Joshua Ting.
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