KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Complex will soon offer greater public access and lifestyle amenities, including canteens and gathering spots, as part of efforts to transform it into a vibrant hub for sports and community activities.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, shared that the government aims to make the complex more inclusive, ensuring it serves not just elite athletes but also the wider public.
“I can see that this place, the Sarawak Sports Complex, has become quite a vibrant place. I like it that way because the Sarawak Sports Complex is owned by the people.
“The government built it with several hundred million ringgit, so it should always be a vibrant place. It cannot be there just for elite sportsmen to use,” he said.
He pointed out the importance of providing access to public sports facilities, noting that activities like running, playing squash, and other sports should be available to all – not limited to exclusive clubs.
“For example, if you want to play squash, there are not many squash courts except in clubs like Sarawak Club or KGS, which many are not members of.
“We need to open up these facilities so the public can use them at least once a week. That way, I believe we will be able to raise the standard of sports,” he added.
Abdul Karim also highlighted plans to attract more tournaments to the complex, providing opportunities for athletes of all levels to compete and gain experience.
“Tournaments shouldn’t only be for selected athletes introduced by associations. They should be open to encourage more participation,” he said.
On the topic of lifestyle amenities, the minister revealed plans to introduce convenience and leisure spots around the complex.
“We are also exploring ideas like this. It would be great to have weekends or afternoons where people can ‘lepak’, eat and relax,” he told reporters after officiating the closing of the State-level 52nd Sarawak Age Group Swimming (SAG) Championship at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre today.
One venue under consideration is the Malaysian Government Servants Welfare and Sports Council (MAKSAK), the former Petra Jaya golf course, where a golf driving range and canteens are planned to welcome the public.
“We are also looking into some other venues within the Sarawak Sports Complex to set up similar facilities where the public can come and gather. Along the way, parents can also bring their children to the pool and relax nearby,” he added.
These initiatives are part of broader efforts to prepare Sarawak’s sports facilities ahead of the 2027 SEA Games, ensuring the venues serve both sporting excellence and community engagement
