KUCHING: PEMADAM Sarawak Branch is continuing its innovative approaches to curb drug abuse among young people in the state.
One such effort is the just concluded BreakOff eSports Challenge 2025 (BEC2025), now in its 10th edition, at the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) in Santubong on Sunday (July 27).
The event drew strong participation from young gaming enthusiasts, reinforcing PEMADAM Sarawak’s strategy of using digital platforms to convey impactful anti-drug messages.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts , Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who also chairs PEMADAM Sarawak, said the association has been organising this programme for a decade with a clear goal.
“PEMADAM Sarawak has been organising this programme for 10 years, and it ensures that messages delivered through various recreational and online eSports competitions create awareness among the target group about the dangers of drug abuse and banned substances,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of reaching out to youths through activities they relate to.
Speaking at the event’s closing ceremony, Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said the government is considering the development of a dedicated eSports facility in Kuching to support the growing popularity of the sport.
“The development of eSports among young people can attract them to move away from negative influences, including drug abuse and other social ills.
“We can work towards establishing a dedicated eSports centre in Kuching city to support rapid growth and create opportunities for local youth to develop into world-class players,” he added.
The event culminated with the announcement of Kuching City FC as the overall champion of the 11-a-side online football tournament, one of the main highlights of the BreakOff eSports Challenge 2025.
