SANDAKAN: Minister of Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has called for immediate improvements to several facilities at the Sandakan Sports Complex to ensure that sports amenities in the district are maintained at the highest standard and remain comfortable for users.
He said among the main priorities are the gymnastics hall and the swimming pool, both of which will be included in the ministry’s scope of work for this year.
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“The swimming pool, which is currently not roofed, deserves special attention and should be listed under the tender scope to improve user comfort, particularly for athletes who undergo intensive daily training,” he said to the media after conducting a working visit to the complex on Wednesday, which forms part of his official tour across the State since being appointed to lead the ministry.
He also acknowledged that several facilities require repairs but are facing financial limitations.
However, his ministry will strive to secure allocations either from the State Government or the Federal Government to ensure that sports facilities in Sabah remain in good condition.
“Sports complexes represent the image of the ministry. If maintenance is unsatisfactory, it reflects weaknesses in management. That is why I take the approach of going to the ground to personally assess the actual condition of sports facilities,” he said.
He added that Sandakan is well known as one of the districts that has successfully produced high-performing athletes who have brought pride to the State and the nation at national and international levels.
“This is an achievement we are proud of. Our responsibility is to provide the best facilities and platforms so that they can train comfortably.
“Good facilities will serve as motivation for athletes to continue striving for greater success,” he said.
During the visit, he also observed training sessions by State gymnastics and swimming athletes who are actively preparing for the Malaysia Games (Sukma), scheduled to take place this year.
“I witnessed firsthand the determination of our athletes. Hopefully, they will be able to contribute gold medals to Sabah,” he said.
During the visit, Nizam also met and interacted with a young para swimmer from Sandakan, Wahyu Eqwal Nazrey, who achieved major successes including gold medals in the 50m Backstroke, 100m Freestyle, and 50m Freestyle events at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) in Dubai.
