KUCHING: The Sarawak Government, through the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), plans to develop a high-tech ‘high performance centre’ within the Sarawak Sports Complex area as a strategic step to strengthen elite athlete development and boost the state's sporting achievements internationally.

Its Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the existence of such a centre is highly crucial for any state or country aspiring to achieve excellence in the field of sports.

According to him, the location for the construction of the centre has been identified within the Sarawak Sports Complex and is currently in the planning and study stages.

“We have visited several countries, including New Zealand, South Korea, and Australia, to study how they develop high-performance centres.

“It does not necessarily have to be massive in size, but it must be equipped with facilities and technology capable of refining the performance of identified elite athletes,” he said when met by the media here on Friday.

Commenting on the project's execution, Dato Sri Abdul Karim said the government's current focus is directed toward preparations for hosting the 2027 SEA Games; hence, the construction of the centre is expected to begin after the games conclude.

“But preparations such as documentation, paperwork, and all related matters, including site selection, must be carried out starting from now,” he explained.

He revealed that the centre will adapt sports development models used in Australia and New Zealand, given that both nations possess excellent track records in producing Olympic-caliber athletes.

He further added that the project will be funded by the Sarawak Government with the cooperation and support of the National Sports Institute (ISN), particularly in providing sports science expertise. —UKASnews