SELANGAU: The Sarawak Government continues to expand the development of sports infrastructure to rural areas through the construction of the Selangau Mini Sports Complex project worth RM11.5 million now entering the implementation phase.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project, which was planned before the COVID-19 pandemic, was entering its implementation phase after successfully resolving several issues such as site preparation.
“Despite the delays caused by the pandemic since 2020, the state government remains committed to ensuring that quality sports facilities are also developed in rural areas and not concentrated in big cities only.
“We want facilities like this to be enjoyed by the rural community so that new talent can be unearthed from the grassroots level,” he said during the ceremony on Wednesday.
The Minister for Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts explained that thus far, almost 18 mini sports complexes are either in planning, construction or have been completed throughout Sarawak as part of the state’s youth and sports development agenda.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim stressed that the construction of the complex is not just about providing physical facilities, but also a platform to produce athletes from rural areas to represent the district, division, state and nation.
According to him, this facility will help provide training space for youth and local schools, thus expanding talent search opportunities for tournaments such as the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
The Selangau Mini Sports Complex project is being implemented by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) with a contract value of RM11.5 million and is expected to be fully completed within 24 months starting 19 November 2025 to November 18, 2027.
The facilities to be built include a football pitch complete with underground drainage system, a 400-metre athletics track with nine lanes according to international standards and a main seating area that can accommodate 300 spectators.
Also present at the event were Tamin Assemblyman Ir. Christopher Gira Sambang, Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, MYSED Permanent Secretary Dzulkornain Masron, Selangau District Officer Yalin Asan, Sibu Resident's Office Administrative Officer representing the Sibu Division Resident MacGyver Boi and JKR Sarawak Deputy Director of Infrastructure Ir. Wisil Lichok. -UKASnews
