Sarawak Accelerates Construction Of New Velodrome, Strategic Site Identified
KUCHING: The state government will accelerate the planning for the construction of the Sarawak Velodrome centre after a strategic site near the Sarawak Sports Complex, which was previously allocated to the Federal Government, was returned to the state government for sports facility development.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the site was originally handed over to the Federal Government as part of the placement planning for Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) facilities in Samarahan; however, that development did not proceed.
According to him, the state government had previously handed over approximately 68 hectares of land for security facility development purposes.
However, when those plans were not implemented, the land was reacquired to be utilized for a more comprehensive sports facility development.
“This location is highly strategic as it sits adjacent to the Sarawak Sports Complex, subsequently allowing various sports facilities to be developed within a single integrated area,” he said during a press conference for the Samarahan Bike Challenge at the Baitulmakmur Building here on Friday.
He noted that among the proposed developments in the area are the construction of an international-standard velodrome, cycling sports facilities, as well as several other sports amenities capable of supporting the hosting of large-scale sports championships in the future.
He added that the initiative aligns with the state government's aspiration to create an integrated sports hub that gathers various high-standard facilities in one location, thereby reinforcing Sarawak's capability to host international-level sporting events.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that the proposal for the velodrome's construction has been presented to the state's top leadership and received positive feedback.
Regarding the project cost, he stated that the exact amount can only be determined after the design is finalized, approvals are obtained, and a contractor is appointed.
However, he estimated the construction cost to be lower compared to large-scale stadiums, which typically cost between RM300 million and RM400 million.
He said that the development of this new facility is expected to further strengthen Sarawak's position as a regional sports hub while supporting the state government's long-term efforts to produce more high-performance athletes at national and international levels.
Also present were Samarahan Division Deputy Resident Rais Ahmat, Samarahan District Officer Ahmad Abdul Razak, Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Julin Alen, and Sarawak Cycling Association (SCA) President,Irawan Datu Sudarsono. — UKASnews
