Kota Kinabalu: The RM10,000 contribution from Sawit Kinabalu will help ease airfare costs for the Sabah police rugby team ahead of the Inspector-General of Police Rugby Championship 2026 in Negeri Sembilan from June 10 to 14.
Sabah police rugby team manager, Superintendent Rizal Izman Mansor from the Air Wing Unit (PGU), said the contribution would significantly assist with accommodation and travel arrangements for the contingent travelling from Sabah.
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He noted that high flight ticket prices had previously forced the team to split into smaller groups when travelling for competitions, including their participation in Seremban.
“This is not just about money, but about soul. Without that spirit, no one would come forward to contribute such a sum… it is not a question of inadequate backing but of strengthening the team’s overall preparation,” he said.
Deputy Chairman of Sawit Kinabalu Group and Borneo Samudera Sdn Bhd, Datuk Victor P. Paut, said the donation was aimed at easing the cost of flight tickets while supporting the broader development of sports in Sabah.
“This contribution is aimed at helping to ease the cost of flight tickets for the team’s participation in the tournament,” he said, adding that Sabah’s third-place finish last year was commendable and expressing hope for a stronger result this year.
Victor said the contribution aligns with the State government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen sports development under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, particularly through the Sabah Sports Development Strategic Plan introduced in 2021.
He said the plan focuses on grassroots talent development, upgrading sports facilities and preparing athletes for higher-level competitions such as Sukma and international events.
Victor also expressed confidence that with increased support, including additional federal allocations recently announced, the State government would continue prioritising sports development, including rugby.
He added that teams like the PDRM Sabah rugby squad could serve as role models for younger players, especially at school and tertiary levels, given their discipline, training standards and competitive achievements.
Rizal also noted that this year’s campaign will feature both open and newly introduced veteran categories, although participation in the latter remains limited due to a smaller pool of older players.
Sabah finished third in last year’s series against Kuala Lumpur and will again compete in the IGP’s Cup, facing strong contenders such as Selangor and Johor.
He added that many of the country’s top rugby players come from uniformed services, highlighting the police force’s continued contribution to the sport.
