KUCHING, May 21 — The Sarawak government welcomes the holding of international sporting events which will benefit local sports development and encourage more visitors to come to the state.

Sarawak Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan said hosting such events were quite challenging as these needed detailed planning and quality management to get widespread recognition.

“Many among the participants take part in sports championship in the state or throughout Malaysia due to the tourism attractions available and want to have a different experience and not just to win prizes offered,” he said when officiating at the opening of the 113rd Malaysian Amateur Open Golf Championship at Sarawak Golf Club (KGS), Petra Jaya here last night.

Hence he urged organisers of international sporting events to take into account the uniqueness found in the state so that their stay would give them a deep and lasting impression.

A total of 146 participants from within and outside the country are taking up in the four-day event, the oldest golf tournament in Malaysia. — Bernama