‘Budget allocation shows govt effort to boost youth, sports devt in Sarawak’
The budget approach presented by Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is in line with the vision of Sarawak to become a developed state in 2030 and shows the concern of the government to the youth as a whole.
Sarawak Esports Association (SESA) president Afiq Fadhli Narawi said he is confident that with the strong leadership of the Premier, all the people in Sarawak will enjoy many benefits and able to achieve the vision together.
“Youth are key agents for sustainable state development, social change, economic growth, and technological innovation.
“The composition of the population in Sarawak shows that youth represent 43 per cent (1.2mil) of the total population in Sarawak.
“The youth are an important source of energy for the people of this country because they are highly motivated and timely creativity, with their strong personality, they are able to guarantee a stronger development for the country,” Afiq said in a statement.
“With the theme, ‘Sarawak First: Towards an inclusive, prosperous and harmonious society’, I believe many youth can benefit from the stated budget because they will have the opportunity to highlight their talents in addition to ge ing the opportunity to gain more exposure and experience that is important to them.
“As presented by Premier, RM6.1 million has been allocated for youth development and mass sports programme such as International Youth Mental Health Conference, International Esports Games, National Extreme Sports Challenge, International & States Youth Volunteer Day, Youth Environmental Programme, Youth Entrepreneur Setup and many more.
“Youth are also given the facility to apply for funds for the development of creative talent through the Youth Creative Industry Fund of RM9 million which allows youth to participate in international programmes and venturing into digital creative talent.
“Again, bringing Sarawak talent into the eyes of the world,” he said.
Afiq said according to Abang Johari, the youth will also be given training and funds assistance under the youth development programme with funds amounting to RM2 million.
“In the field of sports, the government has emphasised the direction of Sarawak as a nation sports powerhouse in 2030 where we will produce a total of eight Olympians with a budget of RM41 million to Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and RM17 million to the Sarawak State Sports Council to fund their operations as well as to implement various sports development programmes.
“RM47 million will be provided in 2023 for implementing various sports facilities projects including upgrading and refurbishing existing sports facilities which will open more platforms for our local talent to train and develop their talents in various sports fields,” added Afiq.