Sarawak’s first-ever Malaysia Games (SUKMA) silambam gold medal has vindicated years of work to develop the sport despite its relatively low profile in the state, says Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Abdul Karim said the breakthrough at SUKMA XXII Selangor 2026 demonstrated that the efforts of athletes, coaches and officials were beginning to bear fruit.
“Although Silambam is not a very popular sport in Sarawak, those behind its development have managed to bring it to a level that we can be proud of,” he told reporters at Stadium MBSJ Serdang Jaya today (Aug 24).
The milestone came through Nur Aleesya Zahierah Sali, who secured the women’s 60–70kg Poruthal title after defeating Penang’s B. Dharnisha Balaguru 12–9 in a rematch.
The victory completed a memorable campaign for the Sarawak Silambam team, which also collected one silver and one bronze medal.
Abdul Karim described the maiden gold as a proud moment for the state and congratulated everyone involved in developing the sport.
“This is the first time Sarawak has won a gold medal in Silambam, so I congratulate and commend the entire Sarawak Silambam team, especially those who contributed the medals,” he said.
He said the achievement was particularly encouraging given that Silambam remained one of the lesser-known sports in Sarawak, expressing confidence that the breakthrough would inspire further growth and attract more athletes to the discipline.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Sarawak contingent chef de mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, assistant chef de mission Rodiyah Sapiee, and Sarawak Sports Corporation chief executive officer and Sarawak State Sports Council director Mu’azamir Jili.
