MIRI: Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said volunteers are indispensable for the success of the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak.
The event, scheduled to take place from Aug 17-24, aspires to be the most well-organised in the history of the games.
Speaking at the launch of the General Volunteer Basic Course for Sukma XXI at Curtin University here on Sunday, Karim emphasised the volunteers’ vital role in the event’s smooth execution.
“Sukma XXI Sarawak will be the best in terms of its organisation starting with all the general volunteers because you are the closest people to the 12,613 athletes, coaches, and managers who will compete. Your commitment ensures all elements of the event are implemented as planned,” he said.
This year’s Sukma is the largest ever held in Malaysia, featuring 488 events across 37 sports, nine divisions, and five main sports villages.
To support this massive endeavour, 3,000 general volunteers are being trained through a course conducted in 11 locations, beginning in Miri (June 8 and 9) and concluding in Kuching (July 16 to 17).
Other locations for the course are Bintulu (June 11 to June 12), Mukah (June 15 and June 16), Sibu ( June 18 and June 19), Betong ( June 22 and June 23), Sri Aman ( June 25 and June 26), Serian/Samarahan ( June 29 and June 30). Kuching 1 ( July 6 and July 7); Kuching 2 (July 9 and July 10) and Kuching 3 (July 12 and July 14).
Karim referred to the volunteers as ‘little ambassadors’ of Sarawak, urging them to embody a high spirit of volunteerism and commitment.
He highlighted the importance of effective cross-cultural communication and being well-informed about local attractions and cuisine to enhance visitors’ experiences.
“Be a proud little ambassador. Cultivate in yourself a high spirit of volunteerism, able to carry out the tasks and responsibilities given with undivided commitment and not expecting a return in the form of remuneration.
“It’s just a valuable experience, serving the state of Sarawak that we love so that those who come to enjoy the games this time will bring home the best stories and experiences,” he added.
The volunteer training programme involves eight modules covering various essential skills and knowledge areas, such as Introduction to SUKMA, Goal Setting, Effective Communication, Crisis Management, First Aid Basics, Special Assignments, Operation and Management, and Payment of Allowance.
Karim expressed his hope that these modules would serve as a guide for future events requiring volunteer services.
Volunteers demonstrating high commitment during the games will also be eligible to serve as general volunteers for the Para Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024, scheduled from Sept 22-28.
An additional 1,500 volunteers from Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian divisions will undergo a special course to handle Para Sukma athletes following the conclusion of Sukma XXI.
Also present were Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Morshidi Frederick.
