KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 – The Sarawak government is planning to establish a Sports High Performance Centre, aiming to groom at least 10 future Olympians to represent the nation by 2030, thus achieving its ambition to become a powerhouse in sports of Malaysia.
Deputy State Secretary Datuk Hii Chang Kee said the planned centre would feature specialised and state-of-the-art facilities to help athletes enhance their current capabilities.
He disclosed this information during a morning talk show on Ai FM, a national online radio station, in a broadcast coinciding with the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA 2024) that will be hosted by Sarawak. The interview was conducted via hybrid linking between Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.
Highlighting the nation’s wealth of sporting talent juxtaposed with a deficiency in public sports engagement, he advocated for increased governmental provision of public facilities, specifically citing sports halls as pivotal venues.
“While every community across the nation boasts recreational spaces for sports activities, the majority of these locations serve primarily leisure purposes. Therefore, to optimise the nation’s athletic potential, there is a pressing need for expanded access to sports facilities, particularly aimed at the youth,” he emphasised.
To date, Sarawak has nurtured eight Olympic athletes, including renowned diver Dato Pandelela Rinong, and male diver Bertrand who is set to compete in the Paris Olympics.
Hii noted that a significant number of Olympians emerged through the SUKMA, alongside numerous Paralympic athletes identified through the Malaysia Para Games.
