KUCHING: Despite the current haze affecting Kuching, Sarawak is confident that the Borneo Games, set for September 24 to September 28, will proceed as planned without disruption.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, attributed the temporary haze to a major fire in Indonesia’s Riau archipelago.
“Right now, the smoke is moving toward Kuching. But the Riau archipelago is not that big,” he said.
Abdul Karim said this during a press conference held in conjunction with the announcement of the Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert at The Spring Mall today.
“Once they manage to control the fire, I believe we won’t be seeing this kind of air index again,” he added.
“By the time the Borneo Games are held, I think the situation should be okay.”
When asked whether the haze might cause a postponement of the Games, Abdul Karim stated that organisers were keeping a close watch on the situation, but based on current forecasts, the Air Pollution Index (API) was not expected to reach levels that would require a delay.
“Based on weather forecasts and projections, the haze may still be there but the API is unlikely to reach levels that will prevent the games from going on.
“If possible, we don’t want any disruptions when the time comes,” he said.
Abdul Karim assured that Sarawak was well-prepared to host the regional event, citing its recent experience in hosting the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in August last year.
“In terms of facilities and management, we are ready. The Borneo Games only involve five core sports and two traditional sports, compared to over 30 during SUKMA. So this is very easy for us,” he noted.
He added that the organising committee, the ministry, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), and volunteers were all ready to deliver a successful event.
On the readiness of Sarawak athletes, Abdul Karim said training and preparations were progressing well.
“More importantly, the Borneo Games are not just about winning. The bigger goal is to build bonds among provinces and states within Borneo,” he said.
