By William Isau
SIBU, Aug 13: It is high time that Sibu has its own hockey field, says Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee.
At the opening of a two-day inter-team hockey tournament today, Dr Annuar vowed to do all he could to make the project a reality.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said “enough is enough” and that he has had his hopes up before in his eagerness to build a hockey field.
“I have tried very hard for Sibu to have an AstroTurf hockey field. I have spoken in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) many times.
“First, they promised there is a piece of land in Jalan Teku which had been approved for a hockey field. It was planned for the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). But unfortunately, it was retracted, and I don’t know why,” he recalled.
In view of this, he said he tried again to make the dream a reality, potentially leading to Sibu’s first hockey field.
“Yesterday, I spoke to an LCDA (Land Custody and Development Authority) officer because I have been promised another new one (land) in Kemuyang. I have been promised twice. I don’t want anybody to promise me for the third time and retract (the promise) again,” he said.
Dr Annuar said he was told that funding for the project is there, but they have to wait for the Land and Survey Department’s approval to turn the area into a hockey field.
He added that he would make another announcement on the project in two to three weeks.
Meanwhile, the tournament, which is participated by 10 teams from the Sibu, Kapit, Kanowit and Selangau zones, is organised by Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Sarawak Hockey Association.
The winners in the Under-15, Under-17, and Under-30 boys’ and girls’ categories will represent the zone for the State-level competition. — DayakDaily
