Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will intensify efforts to develop athletes in the context of sports development including implementing various programmes to find new talent to be absorbed into the State squad, said Head of State Tun Dr Juhar Mahiruddin.
He said this includes conducting intensive training of athletes in preparation for participating in sports competitions at the state, national and international levels.
“The State Government is implementing various programmes of new construction, upgrading and maintenance of sports complexes and youth arenas throughout the State.
“Hence, the State Government is also upgrading community sports facilities such as football fields and multi-purpose courts in rural areas for sports and leisure use so as to promote sports culture at all levels of society.
“Several flagship initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan will continue this year, including organising Under-12 sport competitions at international level,” he said.
Juhar said this when delivering his policy speech at the opening of the 16th State Legislative Assembly sitting for the fourth term here on Monday.
In line with the Sabah Youth Policy, he said the State Government has implemented various initiatives and programmes to empower and improve the well-being of the youth in the State.
“For example, in 2022, several short-term and long-term skills training programmes in various sectors including hospitality, construction and hairdressing have been implemented to improve skills and the economy and open up job opportunities for youth across the State.
“Various activities under the youth leadership programme, social unity and cooperation network are also carried out including the ‘Skim Jaya Usahawan Belia’ programme, a dialogue with leaders programme, Super Youth and Youth Leadership Unity,” he said.
This year, Juhar said the State Government will expand the implementation of Youth Leadership Unity activities in several districts including Long Pasia, Sipitang and other districts.
In addition, he said a digital registration system through the Youth Management System has also been developed by the State Government to streamline the youth database and information in the State.
