THE Bintangor Sports Complex is set to undergo repair and upgrading works with an estimated budget of RM5mil.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, announced that the ministry had prioritised the project and submitted it for the mid-term review examination in March 2023 with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and State Financial Secretary (SFS).
“The proposed scope of work for the sports complex includes the resurfacing of the synthetic track for the running track, the installation of subsoil drainage for the football field, and repairs such as roofing for the grandstand, toilets, drains, fencing, and other related building works.”
During a question-and-answer session at the DUN sitting on Friday (May 19), Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing (GPS-Meradong) enquired about the latest update on the proposed upgrading works for the complex.
In addition to the sports complex project, Rentap addressed the ministry’s plans to promote activities for youths in the Meradong area.
“The ministry intends to conduct the ‘Kursus Asas Kepimpinan dan Pengurusan Persatuan’ in Meradong, believing that youth associations serve as an excellent platform for developing future leaders. The programme aims to instil leadership values, confidence, and skills in the participants.”
Rentap also mentioned the Sarikei Innovation Centre, which offers various courses, particularly in the digital economy, to contribute to the development of youths in Sarikei and Meradong.
When asked about talent identification and future plans, he highlighted the establishment of Sports Development Centres by the Sarawak Sports Corporation in the Meradong area.
“These centres include the ‘Pusat Elit Permulaan’ (PEP) and ‘Pusat Elit Cemerlang’ (PEC) for petanque, which have successfully produced athletes who have excelled at the national level, including in the Malaysia Games (Sukma).”
He added the PEP was also set up at SJKC Ming Tee and SJK Meradong, and PEC at SMK Meradong for volleyball.
“For taekwondo, 15 athletes are undergoing training at the Meradong Taekwondo Club (WTF). Furthermore, the SSC plans to open more PEPs for football, sepak takraw, ping-pong, and athletics.”
