By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 26: Sarawak is prepared to invoke the Land Code to compulsorily acquire a parcel of land earmarked for the State’s long-awaited velodrome should negotiations with the federal government over its return fail.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the land, located adjacent to the Sarawak Sports Complex, had originally been allocated to the federal government for the relocation of the police headquarters from Jalan Badruddin.
However, after the police opted not to relocate, the Sarawak government moved to reclaim the site, which it now intends to develop into a sports precinct featuring a velodrome, rugby pitch and driving range.
“In the event that the land is not returned, we will use force acquisition.
“We will invoke Section 47 and Section 48 of the Land Code because the land is needed for development purposes,” Abdul Karim told reporters during a press conference held at Baitul Makmur 2 here today.
Under the Land Code, Section 47 allows the government to enter and survey land after determining it is likely to be needed for a public purpose, while Section 48 empowers the Minister to formally declare that a particular parcel of land is required for a public purpose, with the declaration serving as conclusive evidence that the land is needed.
He stressed that the State had honoured its part of the original land swap arrangement by providing an alternative site for the police headquarters.
“We gave you the land to build your police headquarters. You decided not to move, so we take back the land. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the proposed velodrome has already received the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s in-principle approval, with the site identified pending resolution of the land issue.
He added that consolidating more sporting facilities around the Sarawak Sports Complex would strengthen the State’s ability to host major sporting events, including the 2027 SEA Games, and support its aspiration of becoming a regional sports powerhouse.
Asked about the cost of building the velodrome, Abdul Karim said it was too early to provide an estimate as detailed planning, approvals and contractor appointments have yet to be completed.
While a stadium could cost between RM300 million and RM400 million to build, he said a velodrome might cost roughly half that amount, although the final figure would only be known once the project is fully planned.
Abdul Karim who is also the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, further said the Sarawak government will continue upgrading facilities within the Sarawak Sports Complex ahead of the 2027 SEA Games and future international sporting events.
He noted that the Sarawak Sports Village, located within the complex, has become a preferred accommodation for elite athletes due to its hotel-like rooms, adding that further upgrades would be carried out where necessary.
“We will consider whatever needs to be upgraded,” he said.
Among the ongoing and planned projects are the expansion of the squash complex, upgrades to the archery facilities, major renovation works at Sarawak Stadium, and improvements to Stadium Perpaduan.
He also revealed that the State is acquiring additional land to expand the shooting range with skeet and trap facilities, which are currently the only disciplines missing from the existing complex.
“Once the skeet and trap facilities are completed, our shooting range will be among the best in Southeast Asia, and certainly among the best in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Stadium Negeri will also undergo upgrades, including improvements to the pitch and amenities, in preparation for Kuching City FC’s participation in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two (ACL2).
Abdul Karim added that the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre is also being upgraded, including the replacement of its LED lighting system, as part of preparations for the SEA Games.
Responding to concerns about increasing traffic around the Sarawak Sports Complex as more facilities are developed, Abdul Karim acknowledged that the area is currently experiencing heightened activity due to ongoing SEA Games preparations but stressed that the concentration of sporting venues in one location offers greater convenience for athletes, officials and event organisers. — DayakDaily
