KUCHING: DanceSport has a possibility of being included in the Malaysian Games (SUKMA), with Assistant Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, describing the proposal as timely.
He said the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has already started to recognise the sport by providing allocations to support the championship.
“The moment the Ministry of Youth and Sports provides funding, it means they recognise the event. This is a good start and something we can build on,” he said during the Sarawak International Open DanceSport Championship 2025 press conference today.
Snowdan explained that lobbying for DanceSport to be featured in SUKMA would require support from other states.
“At least a minimum of seven states must agree, depending on the rules. But why not? By all means, we should pursue it,” he added.
He also pointed out that Sarawak has set a target of five million visitors by the end of the year, with the championship positioned as one of the state’s signature events.
“Hosting it here strengthens Sarawak’s brand and helps bring international participants and visitors. Our ministry supports this because it is both part of the creative industry and a tourism driver,” he said.
He stressed that the competition should continue to be held in Sarawak rather than organised elsewhere, noting that it plays a role similar to the Rainforest World Music Festival in attracting international audiences.
“You cannot bring the rainforest outside of Sarawak. If you do, we lose visitors. It is the same with this championship – it should stay here.
“The event not only elevates the creative industry but also positions Sarawak as a destination for cultural and sporting tourism,” he said.
