Govt mulls new sports complex for Miri

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Abdul Karim (third left) and other guests present a mock cheque to Matassan (second left) who represents the Miri Youth Association.

MIRI: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports is considering building a new integrated sports complex here in view of the rising demand from Mirians, especially youths.

Its minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said his ministry will work out the best possible way to realise this as it looks for a suitable site and seeks funding.

“We will strive to make sure the dream of people in Miri to have an integrated sports complex here becomes a reality,” he said when launching the Miri City Beach Youth Festival 2018 at Luak Esplanade here on Friday.

“I will bring this request up for approval as soon as possible and will work with several elected representatives and youths here to determine the most suitable (site) for the purpose of building this sports complex. Do not worry, it will be a reality,” he assured.

Abdul Karim added that the site should be at least six or seven acres of land, most preferably state land to avoid payment of land compensation and other future complications.

“If possible, we hope to get at least 10 acres of land … and since Miri is a city, there is a need to build a really sophisticated sports complex for the needs of residents in Miri,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim also announced an allocation of RM15,000 to Miri Youth Association to run their activities. The festival organising committee also received an injection of RM28,000 from Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat (RM8,000), Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni (RM7,000), Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development cum Bekenu assemblywoman Rosey Yunus (RM5,000), Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau (RM3,000) and Sarawak Energy (RM5,000).

Also event at the event were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Ripin who is also the festival patron, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and the festival organising chairman Matassan Rohani.

The Miri City Beach Youth Festival 2018, which is organised by Miri Youth Association in collaboration with various local youth organisations, is taking place at Luak Esplanade from Nov 29 to today (Dec 2).

It is aimed at building the identity of youths who serve in any association or organisation, increasing their participation in voluntary activities and enhancing their leadership skills.

This third edition of the festival not only feature sports, entertainment and recreational activities but also the sale and promotion of products and services by small and medium-size businesses of young entrepreneurs and youth organisations here.