SIBU: The inaugural installation of pickleball clubs in 11 secondary schools across the Sibu Division marks a significant milestone in the journey to promote and institutionalise this fast-growing sport among the youth.
The schools involved are SMK Methodist, SMK Sacred Heart, SMK Bukit Assek, SMK St Elizabeth, SMK Tung Hua, SMK Deshon, SMK Sungai Merah, SMK Bandar Sibu, Catholic High School, SM Wong Nai Siong, and Woodlands International School.
The inauguration ceremony was held at a prominent hotel here last night (April 30).
Speaking at the event, Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, pointed out that this initiative would not have been possible without the assistance from Sibu District Education Department headed by Ahli Chikba, as well as support and endorsement of the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS).
“I had the opportunity to meet JPNS Deputy Director, Zamzaihu Akmal Hisham Ahmad, during the State Legislative Assembly sitting last year, and submitted our formal proposal.
“On December 26 2024, we received the official approval to establish pickleball clubs in Sibu schools.
“This not only provides policy support, but also ensures that students participating in these clubs will be awarded co-curricular activity points,” he added.
Chieng, who is also Sibu Division Pickleball Association (SDPA) President, stated that SDPA, formed on January 12, 2024, has been working hard hand in hand with the Sibu District Education Department to ensure the successful implementation of this programme.
Each school, he said, has been provided with a set of equipment, including paddles, balls and a portable net, in order to jump-start their clubs.
He stated that SDPA will be organising training courses for both pickleball trainers and umpires with assistance from both Malaysia and Sarawak Pickleball Associations.
It aims to ensure proper guidance, officiation and sustainability of the sport here.
Moreover, said Chieng, SDPA will organise the first Inter-Secondary School Pickleball Competition jointly with Sibu District Education Department, with the hope that it will become an annual tradition that nurtures camaraderie, sportsmanship and excellence.
He said through the competition, potential Sibu and Sarawak junior players for future Sukan Sarawak (SUKSAR) and Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) wiil be selected.
As SDPA President and Bukit Assek assemblyman, Chieng stressed that he is also focused on providing proper infrastructure for this sport, and thanked various community organisations for their strong support.
He urged more school boards and alumni associations to come forward and assist in constructing pickleball courts at their respective schools.
Their support is crucial in creating an environment where students can actively participate, train and excel in this sport.
“Let us work hand in hand to lay the physical foundation needed to nurture the next generation of pickleball talent in Sibu.
“To further meet the demand, I have allocated RM3.05 million under the Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) for phase one construction of 10 indoor pickleball courts at Bukit Lima Sport Arena.
“An additional RM2 million has been set aside for phase two in year 2026.
“The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), as the implementing agency, is currently in the process of appointing consultants.
“Once finalised, the design and site application will commence very soon,” he stated.
He also highlighted that SDPA is actively working towards two missions of establishing pickleball clubs in schools as part of the co-curricular programme, and to construct more pickleball courts to support the long-term growth of the sport.
He is confident that with continued collaboration among schools, government agencies and the community, pickleball will become a beloved sport among students here, instilling not just physical fitness, but also teamwork, discipline and joy.
“Let us work together to build a healthier, more active and more united generation,” Chieng added.
