KUCHING: The final leg of the SOPMA Baton Run 2025 ended with strong public support, which Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah, called a meaningful show of unity and encouragement for Sarawak’s deaf community.
“The fact that some of you are willing to come and support the SOPMA Baton Run, for us it is very encouraging.
“It’s a very good feeling to know that the community cares for the deaf community in Sarawak,” she said.
Fatimah highlighted that there is still limited public understanding about the deaf community and their unique culture.
She stressed the importance of awareness campaigns in promoting inclusivity.
“Creating awareness about the deaf and deaf culture is a very important activity for the Deaf Association.
“For us at the ministry, we believe this awareness must start early, at the preschool level,” she said when officiating the run organised by the Sarawak Deaf Sports Association at the MBKS grounds today.
Meanwhile, she noted that all Tadika Sedidik centres across Sarawak now include sign language in their curriculum, teaching children basic communication skills in sign language.
“All of our preschool teachers are now able to sign the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ and ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’, and so can our children.
“They’ve performed at official state events and ministry gatherings. That’s how we introduce deaf awareness and culture to young people,” she explained.
Fatimah also expressed her joy at the strong turnout here, which surpassed the organisers’ target of 1,000 participants.
“Congratulations and well done to the organising committee. Organising the SOPMA Baton Run from Miri to Bintulu, Sibu, and now here in Kuching – is no easy feat.
“The response in Kuching has been very encouraging, even more than expected,” she said.
She called on participants to become advocates and ambassadors for the deaf community by sharing knowledge and promoting access to available services.
“In Sarawak, we have facilities for hearing assessments whether in hospitals or OISEC centres. Once a child is diagnosed, they can be referred to the appropriate specialists.
“We also have schools for the deaf at both primary and secondary levels,” she added.
Fatimah said she was proud that many members of the deaf community have excelled academically, with some pursuing tertiary education – thanks to strong family and community support.
She then also announced that Sarawak will host the National Deaf Games in October this year.
“With the support of the government and everyone involved, we’ll be ready.
“We’ll need volunteers, we’ll need your support, and we’ll need your presence during the event,” she said.
Also present was Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
