BAU: Sarawak’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development is open to building a small aquatic facility in Bau to promote swimming and diving, especially among Bidayuh youths who show strong potential in aquatic sports.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that while Bau currently lacks a public swimming facility, the ministry is considering proposals for a modest community-level pool or aquatic centre.
“If the facility in Kuching is already sufficient, then there’s no point in duplicating it too much. We have to look at practicality and, of course, finance.
“However, we can always consider a small aquatic centre or even a modest swimming pool in Bau, something for families to use and to expose more young people to swimming and aquatic sports,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after officiating at the Bau Sports Carnival opening ceremony at the Bau Sports Complex here today (May 17).
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said Sarawak is actively planning the development of high-performance sports by identifying specific disciplines best suited for different districts.
“Sarawak is well known for its strength in aquatic sports like diving and swimming.
“For swimming, we are focusing on Sibu because they have been consistent contributors in the past. For diving, we are looking at Bau.
“In fact, sprinting may be suitable for development in Kapit. The Iban community is known for their speed—like Watson Nyambek in the past,” he said.
He added that the plan will be carried out through the network of existing sports complexes throughout the state, with selected talents to be brought to Kuching for further development at the High-Performance Centre.
