KUCHING: More corporations should step forward to support Sarawak’s sporting ambitions instead of leaving the responsibility to the government alone.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said private sector participation was essential in building a sustainable sporting ecosystem and creating opportunities for athletes across various disciplines.
“We know that without the support of major corporations, it is not easy to build up a sport like football. For the government to do it on its own would be quite difficult,” he said during the press conference for the PETRONAS Youth Football Clubs Tournament (PYFCT) 2026 and PETRONAS Youth Football Champions League 2026 today.
Abdul Karim commended PETRONAS for its continued commitment to youth football development, describing the company’s long-term investment as an example more organisations should emulate.
However, he said companies should also consider supporting other sports instead of concentrating solely on football because of its popularity.
“If football is being supported by PETRONAS, we hope other big corporations, especially public-listed companies, will identify other sports they can be involved with.
“Don’t all rush into football just because it gets television coverage. Support the other sports too, whether it is squash, wushu, tenpin bowling, badminton or cycling,” he said.
He added that stronger corporate participation would create a more balanced sporting ecosystem while providing more opportunities for athletes across different disciplines.
In a light-hearted remark, Abdul Karim even suggested that PETRONAS consider building a stadium or sports complex in Sarawak in the future.
“I’m just toying with the idea but if PETRONAS can build universities in countries that do not produce oil, I think states that have contributed to PETRONAS’ growth deserve this kind of facility too. It is one way of giving back to the state,” he said.
Abdul Karim said collaboration between the government, sports associations, and private companies remained crucial in developing the next generation of athletes and sustaining Sarawak’s ambition of becoming Malaysia’s leading sporting state.
