SARIKEI: The division is seeking an indoor stadium or sports complex and a higher education or technical training centre to better serve its community and youths.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman said the requests were made on behalf of the elected representatives and residents to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said better sports and recreational facilities were needed as sports continue to grow in popularity among people of all ages.
“On behalf of the Honourable Members and the people of Sarikei Division, I would like to submit a request to the Premier for an indoor stadium or indoor sports complex for the people of Sarikei,” he said at the opening ceremony of the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ (SKS) Programme for Sarikei Division here today (Aug 8) at the Sarikei Sports Complex.
Len Talif said the proposed facility did not need to be as large as the Sibu Indoor Stadium but should be slightly larger than the Betong Indoor Stadium, which he said could no longer accommodate 3,000 people.
He said many local athletes had represented Sarawak and Malaysia at international level in various sporting events, with some achieving success and winning medals at national and international competitions.
Meanwhile, Len Talif also sought the Sarawak Government’s consideration to establish a higher education centre, such as a branch campus or new technical training institution, in Sarikei or Tanjung Manis.
“To further strengthen technical education in Sarawak, which has been spearheaded by the Premier, we seek the Sarawak Government’s consideration to establish a higher education centre, such as a branch campus or new technical training institution, in Sarikei or Tanjung Manis,” he said.
He said the proposed centre could provide technical and vocational courses for youths in the division.
Len Talif said education remains crucial in securing a bright future for the younger generation, with the division continuing to prioritise the sector by providing support and facilities.
He said the division recorded a district grade point average (GPD) of 3.69 for the SPM in 2025, with 98 per cent of students eligible to receive certificates.
He added that 576 Year Six pupils who sat for the Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (UASA) and Sarawak Dual Language Programme Assessment Test (UP-DLP) recorded mastery rates of 97 per cent in English, 95 per cent in Science and 84 per cent in Mathematics.
“These achievements are the result of the hard work of students, teachers and parents, as well as the strong support and continuous commitment from all leaders and the local community,” he said.
