By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 14: The upgrade of 24 sports facilities and the construction of three new facilities in Petra Jaya, namely the Sarawak Cricket and Rugby Ground, Wushu Training and Competition Centre, and Sarawak Sports Village, are expected to be completed by this July.
Minister for Youth and Sports Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the facilities would be ready for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August.
“In preparation for Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024, my Ministry and its agency, SSC (Sarawak Sports Corporation), have joined the effort in ensuring that the venues are well prepared and in accordance with sports standards specification,” he said during his ministerial winding-up in the august House today.
The 24 facilities identified to be upgraded are the Sarawak Stadium, Sarawak State Stadium, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Law Bowl Arena in Petra Jaya, Sarawak State Hockey Stadium in Padungan, Petra Jaya Hockey Stadium, BMX Track Hill in Bukit Siol, Archery Range in Petra Jaya, Sarawak Shooting Range in Petra Jaya, Sarawak Squash Centre, Sarawak Petanque Centre in Santubong, Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya, SLTA Tennis Court, MBKS Basketball Court, Samarahan Indoor Stadium, Sri Aman Sports Complex Indoor Stadium, Stadium Tun Zaidi in Sibu, Sibu Indoor Stadium, Mukah Stadium, Bintulu Outdoor Stadium, Stadium Muhibbah Bintulu, Petronas Sports Village in Miri, Stadium Miri, and Stadium Bandaraya Miri.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the federal government approved RM144.6 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the Sarawak government RM237 million under the People’s Project for the development of social and sports facilities.
“With 22 Projek Rakyat (People’s Project) and 61 12MP physical projects approved, my Ministry is committed to providing conducive, safe and standard sports facilities for youth, rural communities and sportsmen as well as identifying, polishing and developing the sport’s potential,” he said.
At present, he said 38 projects are under planning, 35 are under implementation, and ten are completed. — DayakDaily
