Dr Abdul Rahman and other dignitaries in a photo call with over 300 Purscar participants.

LIMBANG: Sarawak will try to increase the number of coaches for hearing impaired athletes.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail noted that this problem is faced by both the country and Sarawak.

“These athletes – need special training compared to those with other disabilities.

“Thus in future we will try to increase coaches for these athletes in Sarawak including in Limbang ,” he said while officiating the Purnama Sports Carnival (Purscar) involving 19 government agencies here yesterday.

Dr Abdul Rahman was asked to comment on the dilemma of seven athletes from the Limbang District  who have no coach to train them for the upcoming Malaysia Deaf Games (Sopma) and the pre Sukma in Perak in October.

The athletes are Nopi Heriadi Taher (100m), Felix Ryan Jenadi (shot put), Rody Hilmi Rasit and Nur Syamira Azaman (100m, 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay), Nur Mashura Sufian and Nur Aruni Awang (shot put, discus and javelin).

Commenting on the carnival, Dr Abdul Rahman said the government encouraged sports activities among civil servants.

“Public servants with the best health will be able to carry out their work and responsibilities effectively,” he said.

He also called for more activities in the carnival next year. Meanwhile, Landas Team emerged champion for the parade followed by the Department of Agriculture and Jaresda Team (District and Resident Offices).

Also present at the event were Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah, Limbang District Officer Awang Said, Superintendent of the Limbang Land and Survey Departmen, Awang Nazri Awang Saperi.