KOTA KINABALU: Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said his ministry is taking firm steps to address delays and shortcomings in youth and sports infrastructure across Sabah during his winding-up speech in the 2026 State Budget debate at the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
He said the stalled Tongod Sports Complex would be completed after the previous contractor was terminated on Sept 3, 2025 for non-performance, adding that documentation is being prepared to appoint a rescue contractor to put the project back on track.
Responding to calls for higher funding due to Sabah’s large youth population, Nizam said he appreciated the proposal and would continue improving service delivery while expressing confidence that future budget requests would be considered by the Finance Ministry.
On concerns over the poor condition of facilities at the Likas Sports Complex, he said heavy public use leads to wear and tear, pledging repairs, regular maintenance and personal visits to sports complexes statewide, while feasibility studies would be carried out for proposed youth centres, mini stadiums and community fields.
Addressing athlete welfare, Nizam said the 2026 Budget safeguards the long-term wellbeing of state athletes through incentives, EPF contributions, education and job pathways, grassroots grants and a proposed Athletes Welfare Fund, alongside plans for a motorsports circuit and a district-based approach to new sports complexes.
