Haze unlikely to affect Borneo Games 2025, says Abd Karim
KUCHING (July 25): The current haze situation affecting Kuching is expected to be temporary and unlikely to disrupt the upcoming Borneo Games 2025 set for September, said State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the haze was mainly caused by fires in Indonesia's Riau Archipelago, with the smoke drifting into Sarawak due to the shifting wind directions, particularly affecting the Kuching area.
'Now, because of the change in the wind, the direct flight is moving to Kuching, but the Riau Archipelago is not that big.
'Once they manage to control the fires, I believe we won't be seeing this kind of smoke or the effects that we are seeing today.
'So by the time the Borneo Games are going to be held, which is in September, same time as the Air Supply (concert), I think by that time it should be okay,' he told reporters after officiating the launch of the 'Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert' at The Spring Mall here today.
When asked whether there are contingency plans to postpone the event should the haze persist, Abdul Karim said the organisers had been monitoring the situation closely but no postponement had been planned at this time.
'If the situation remains moderate and manageable, we certainly hope the championship can proceed without issue.
'As I mentioned earlier, it's very likely that when the students arrive during that period, the API (Air Pollutant Index) will still be within an acceptable range,' he said.
On preparations for the Games, the state minister gave assurance that Sarawak was fully ready, noting that the state successfully hosted the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August last year, and had the experience and capability to manage such events.
'With only five core sports and two traditional events in the Borneo Games, compared to over 30 in Sukma, this is relatively easy for us,' he said.
He added that the organising committee, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), volunteer teams, and officials from his ministry were already mobilised and committed to ensuring a successful event.
As for the state's athletes, Abdul Karim said preparations are going well.
He stressed that while medals are important, the true objective of the Borneo Games is to foster stronger ties and camaraderie among the provinces and states across Borneo.
'That's why we don't just focus on podium finishes – we look at how to create meaningful bonds through the games,' he added. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Borneo Games 2025 haze
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