By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarikei is set to have its own stadium, with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg backing a request for a covered stadium or sports complex for the division.
He said the facility was needed given the number of schools in Sarikei and the division’s lack of a stadium.
“I heard Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh’s speech earlier. Yes, there are many schools, but there is no stadium at all. Find a stadium like the one in Betong, whether slightly bigger or slightly smaller.
“Betong has already asked for a new stadium. Sarikei does not have a stadium. Give the people of Sarikei one,” he said during the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sarikei Division today, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Earlier in his speech, Len Talif, who is also the Kuala Rajang assemblyman, had appealed for a covered stadium or sports complex for Sarikei.
“On behalf of the elected representatives and people of Sarikei Division, I would like to put forward a request for a covered stadium or covered sports complex for the people of Sarikei,” he stated.
Len Talif said the proposed facility did not need to be as large as the covered stadium in Sibu, or even larger than the one in Betong, which is also seeking a new facility.
“At the moment, Betong has already asked for a new one, while we in Sarikei do not have one yet. So we are asking, Yang Amat Berhormat, for a covered stadium for sports and for any events that we organise,” he said.
Abang Johari’s backing comes as Sarawak continues to expand public infrastructure across its divisions, with the proposed facility expected to provide Sarikei residents with a dedicated venue for sports, recreation and community activities.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia and Sarikei MP Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii. — DayakDaily
