SERIAN (Aug 25): Youths should participate in outdoor and endurance activities for character building, said Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He made this call when officiating the 6th Bung Sadung Climbathon Trail Challenge 2025 at Kampung Bunga here yesterday, and described the event as a platform for character building and sportsmanship.
“The younger generation also has the opportunity to train themselves to be fearless, more disciplined and optimistic in facing future challenges while shaping their identity in a time when many young people tend to spend their time in the world of artificial technology or artificial intelligence.
“In addition, this programme helps to cultivate a spirit of sportsmanship among participants, countering traits such as greed, egoism and self-interest,” he said.
Sagah said the significance of organising the climbathon was in “strengthening the bonds of friendship and unity among the people of Serian”.
The event, which was organised by the Serian District Council and Kampung Bunga’s Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Youth, Sports and Recreation Bureau, gathered 445 participants.
The prizes for the event amounted to RM20,500 in cash, along with medals and trophies for the winners.
Stalls were also set up to attract visitors, which also provided an avenue for local residents to sell their products, while several agencies offered their services.
Sagah said during the climbathon, participants had to follow the route set by the organisers, culminating at the ‘Bung’, or the summit of Mount Sadung — which stands at 753 metres above sea level.
“Participants can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Sadung, along with its diverse flora and fauna. By organising such programmes, we can promote Serian as an eco-tourism destination in Sarawak, with its majestic mountain ranges.
“I hope the people of Serian will continue to excel in every sporting endeavour, and I trust that programmes such as this will be carried on in the future,” he said.
Also present were Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and Serian District Council chairman Dato Peter Minos.
