By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 10: The Sarawak government is actively working on acquiring land for the development of a velodrome within the vicinity of Sarawak Sports Complex, Petra Jaya, with plans to have it completed by 2027.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah confirmed that the process of reclaiming over 60 acres of land from the Federal Land Commissioner is underway.
“We will let the Department of Land and Survey to handle the land matter.
“I was made to understand the processes in acquiring back the land from the Federal Land Commissioner is in progress now,” he said when asked to comment on the anticipated velodrome project during a press conference held at Baitul Makmur II here today.
He explained that the land acquisition only requires the Sarawak government to issue a notice and provide compensation to the federal government since the land belongs to the State.
“When it is forced acquisition, you cannot say no. Even the federal government cannot say no, because the State needs the land for development purposes,” he emphasised.
He further said the Sarawak Sports Complex houses various sports facilities, including two stadiums, a shooting range, a hockey stadium, the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, a sports village, and Malaysia’s top cricket ground.
“The Velodrome is the missing link. That’s why I would love to see it developed. The State government has already more or less given its blessing,” he said.
At the same time, Abdul Karim revealed that a briefing on the project was given to the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg last month.
The State has engaged a leading velodrome consultant from West Germany, Walter von Lütcken, who has designed similar facilities in the Middle East and Malaysia.
While the project’s total cost has yet to be finalised, the minister assured that the design is already in place, with an emphasis on multi-purpose use.
“I don’t want it to be just a velodrome that cannot be used for any other purpose. In the middle part, there will also be places for conferences and other events,” he added.
As for the project’s procurement, Abdul Karim noted that due to the specialised nature of the development, the State government may opt for a selective tender or direct negotiation rather than an open tender.
“The consultant is already on board, but the contractor has not been appointed yet. Since this is a very specialised project, we might not even go for open tender. It will either be selective tender or direct negotiation,” he explained. – DayakDaily
