SIBU: Youths, especially school students, are urged to stay away from unhealthy practices such as drug abuse and vaping because they can affect their physical and mental health as well as have a negative impact on their future.
The call was made by Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central Chairman, Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie, when officiating the 2026 Sibu Division School Sports Council (MSS) Cross-Country Championship held at SMK Bawang Assan, West Bank here on Thursday (Feb 5).
According to him, students need to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build strong mental resilience from a young age in line with the current increasingly complex challenges.
“Stay away from unhealthy symptoms such as drugs and vaping because we do not know the chemicals contained in these devices. Mental resilience is very important not only for ourselves, but also for our families and loved ones,” he said.
He stressed that the cross-country championship is not just a test of physical endurance but also an important platform in building discipline, self-confidence, positive thinking and a spirit of unity among students.
“Events like this give students the opportunity to get to know friends from other schools, understand different environments and cultures and foster cooperation and mutual respect,” he added.
“This value must start from the young people because they are the pillars of Sarawak’s future strength.”
He also expressed his appreciation to the Sibu District Education Office and the organising committee for successfully organising the event well, in addition to always prioritising the safety of the participants.
A total of 28 secondary schools from Sibu Division participated in event.
Also present were Sibu District Education Officer, Chikba Member; SMK Bawang Assan Principal, Kong Chiong Hui; and SMK Bawang Assan Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) Deputy President, Nicholas Paing.
In the competition results, Jayden Tan Zhi Siang from SMK Sacred Heart emerged as the champion of the Junior Male Individual Category, followed by Alvis Manggie Alexson (SMK Bukit Assek) in second place and Damien Elvin Jamban Julian (SMK Jalan Oya) in third place.
For the Junior Female Individual Category, the champion title was won by Gracylia Enjan Jeffrey from SMK Ulu Balingian while Joannie Kong Ying Hui (SMK St Elizabeth) and Emelia Juliet Catherine (SMK Sedaya) came in second and third place respectively.
The Senior Male Individual Category saw the victory of Malvin Roland Michael from SMK Nanga Dap, followed by Herman Daniel and Jecceo Folette Joseph, both from SMK Sacred Heart.
For the Senior Female Individual Category, Octhivia Jenna Nanggar from SMK Nanga Dap emerged as the champion, followed by Austynna Abigail Atin (SMK Nanga Dap) in second place and Kayren Kiung Zixin (SMK St Elizabeth) in third place.
In the team event, SMK Nanga Dap dominated when it emerged as the champion for the Junior Female, Senior Female and Senior Male Team Categories. Meanwhile, SMK Sacred Heart won the Junior Male Team Category.
Lau, who is also the Bawang Assan SUPP chairman, hoped that tournaments like this will continue to be organised as a medium to build a healthy, disciplined and free young generation from social ills for the future of the state and country.
