Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is gearing up to defend its championship title at the Ijtimak Perdana Agensi Agama Seluruh Malaysia (IJPAM) 2025, which it won when hosting the event in 2023.
On Friday, Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, handed over the state flag to the 200-strong contingent of athletes and officials who will represent the state in the national championships in Johor on September 8.
Arifin, who is also the State Executive Councillor for Islamic Religious Affairs, expressed strong confidence in the team’s readiness, highlighting months of training and preparation.
“Last year, we emerged as overall champions. This year, God willing, we will strive to retain that title. I believe our athletes have the ability and spirit to bring success home to Sabah,” he said.
He reminded the contingent to uphold Sabah’s good name, noting that the championship goes beyond sports — it’s also about unity, friendship, and knowledge exchange among religious agencies across Malaysia.
“This event is a platform for brotherhood, sportsmanship, and learning. Officers and staff will also benefit from knowledge-sharing conventions led by experts and scholars,” he added.
Sabah has an impressive record in the championship, debuting in 2012 and clinching overall titles in 2014 and 2023, along with a runner-up finish in 2022.
With strengths in football, volleyball, badminton, and bowling, Sabah continues to shine on the national stage.
Arifin stressed that the Sabah flag symbolizes pride, dignity, and the delegation’s fighting spirit. “Compete with integrity, discipline, and exemplary character. Represent Sabah with honour and carry the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya,” he said.
He also thanked the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) and all involved in preparing the contingent, expressing hope for another victorious outing in Johor.
On Friday, Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, handed over the state flag to the 200-strong contingent of athletes and officials who will represent the state in the national championships in Johor on September 8.
Arifin, who is also the State Executive Councillor for Islamic Religious Affairs, expressed strong confidence in the team’s readiness, highlighting months of training and preparation.
“Last year, we emerged as overall champions. This year, God willing, we will strive to retain that title. I believe our athletes have the ability and spirit to bring success home to Sabah,” he said.
He reminded the contingent to uphold Sabah’s good name, noting that the championship goes beyond sports — it’s also about unity, friendship, and knowledge exchange among religious agencies across Malaysia.
“This event is a platform for brotherhood, sportsmanship, and learning. Officers and staff will also benefit from knowledge-sharing conventions led by experts and scholars,” he added.
Sabah has an impressive record in the championship, debuting in 2012 and clinching overall titles in 2014 and 2023, along with a runner-up finish in 2022.
With strengths in football, volleyball, badminton, and bowling, Sabah continues to shine on the national stage.
Arifin stressed that the Sabah flag symbolizes pride, dignity, and the delegation’s fighting spirit. “Compete with integrity, discipline, and exemplary character. Represent Sabah with honour and carry the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya,” he said.
He also thanked the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) and all involved in preparing the contingent, expressing hope for another victorious outing in Johor.