KUCHING: The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has approved the Sarawak Muay Thai Association’s (PMNS) application to designate the Square Tower area at the Kuching Waterfront as the official venue for future editions of the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Muay Thai Championship and the Borneo Cup.
Its Mayor, Datuk Hilmy Othman, said the initiative is part of efforts to further elevate the increasingly popular combat sport by hosting it in a more open and vibrant setting.
“God-willing, with the consensus between DBKU and the Sarawak Muay Thai Association, the Kuching Waterfront will serve as the official arena for organising Muay Thai events throughout the coming year,” he said.
He was speaking at the participants’ introduction for the Ninth Edition of the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Muay Thai Championship and 2025 Borneo Cup held at the Square Tower, Kuching Waterfront here on Thursday night.
Hilmy added that the location is deemed ideal for such events, given the presence of local visitors and tourists who can witness the prowess of martial arts that is widely practised in Sarawak.
“The move is also a strategic initiative to promote Kuching as a sports and tourism destination on the global stage,” he said, while reaffirming DBKU’s commitment to supporting the hosting of international-level Muay Thai championships within its jurisdiction.
Earlier, PMNS President, Jumaat Ibrahim, said the association under his leadership plays a dual role.
It not only elevates the status of Muay Thai but also introduces Sarawak as a suitable and attractive venue for hosting various prestigious sports programmes and events.
“I am very grateful to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) for their unwavering support and encouragement to the association in our efforts to promote this sport.
“I can proudly say that these efforts have not been in vain, as Sarawak’s Muay Thai athletes are now not only known within Sarawak, but recognised around the world,” he said.
He added that Muay Thai athletes have represented the state both at the national and international levels.
Jumaat said such success is the result of strong cooperation between the association and the Sarawak government, which has consistently supported the development of sports, particularly in realising the vision of making Sarawak a sports powerhouse in the country.
“The impact of Muay Thai championships benefits not just athletes but also the people and the local economy.
“Each international participation brings at least five visitors to Sarawak, contributing to the tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said.
Meanwhile, the championship from May 1 to 4 will be seeing a total of 250 athletes from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and seven other countries, namely Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Yemen and Iran.
Participants will compete across 130 Muaysport bouts and 16 Superfight Pro matches.
