Sabah Government Strengthens Commitment to Sports Development

11 October 2025

TAWAU: The State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the field of sports in Sabah, demonstrated through the continuous development and provision of sports infrastructure via the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the government’s commitment is also reflected in the incentives awarded to athletes who have brought pride to Sabah and Malaysia.

“It is our hope to see more Sabah athletes excel at national and international levels. The government continues to recognise their achievements by allocating substantial funds each year for performance incentives,” he said.

His speech was delivered by State Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, during the opening ceremony of the 11th Sabah Games (SAGA XI) in Tawau on Saturday.

According to Hajiji, the organisation of SAGA reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a continuous pool of new sporting talents. The event serves as a platform to identify and nurture young athletes for higher-level competitions.

“The State Ministry of Youth and Sports must continue to discover young talents through various programmes and competitions across the state. We want sports to become a way of life among the people,” he emphasised.

He reminded athletes that SAGA should not merely be about winning but also about showcasing perseverance, discipline, and good character.

“Every drop of sweat shed on the field lays the foundation for Sabah’s future success. Uphold the good name of your district and state,” he urged.

Hajiji also expressed hope that SAGA would continue to grow as a prestigious sports carnival that not only encourages broad community participation but also promotes a stronger sporting culture in Sabah.

“Programmes such as this not only contribute to a healthier and more active population but also strengthen efforts to produce more young and outstanding athletes,” he added.

He noted that Sabah has already proven its ability to produce quality athletes, citing the achievements of several local sports stars such as high jumper Farrel Glen Felix Jerus, silat exponent Merrywati Manuil, archer Evan Rich Chong, and boxer Jonathan John.

“They are proof that Sabahans can bring pride to both the state and the nation,” he said.

Hajiji called on all SAGA XI participants to compete with discipline and sportsmanship, while using the event as a platform to improve their performance.

“May SAGA Tawau 2025 leave fond memories, instil the spirit of determination, and inspire a new generation of Sabah athletes to excel at the state, national, and international levels,” he concluded.