SANDAKAN: Efforts to diversify recreational and sporting activities at the Sandakan Sports Complex have been widely welcomed, particularly in attracting more visitors from within and outside the district through the introduction of new attractions.
Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee said this includes water sports, which also serve as a recreational activity for families, friends and individuals through leisure paddling.
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She said this when met by the media after officiating the launch of HR Aquasport’s water sports and recreational activities at the Sandakan Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Wong also took the opportunity to try out one of the activities following the opening ceremony, which was attended by orphans from the Al-Yakin Sandakan Orphanage who had been invited to the event.
The water sports recreational activity is managed by a young married couple from the district, Hazuezzah Hassan and her husband, Hafiz Jakiri.
Wong described the initiative as a positive effort, particularly in enlivening the atmosphere at the sports complex and establishing a new attraction for Sandakan.
Nevertheless, she stressed that water safety aspects must always be given due consideration to ensure the safety of users and visitors is consistently maintained and to prevent any untoward incidents.
On developments involving facilities at the Sandakan Sports Complex, Wong expressed hope that the RM11 million allocation previously announced by former Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for upgrading works on several sports facilities at the complex would be implemented according to current needs.
She also hoped that the recent visit by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol would bring positive improvements to the facilities at the sports complex.
“We also see the need for additional lighting within the sports complex area, which is a popular recreational venue for jogging and walking activities, particularly among members of the public,” said Wong.
Meanwhile, Wong advised visitors to the Sandakan Sports Complex not to litter food containers or rubbish indiscriminately, including into the complex’s lake, in order to ensure cleanliness is consistently maintained.
Meanwhile, Hazuezzah and Hafiz said the idea of introducing the water sports recreational activity was partly inspired by fond memories of Taman Jalil Alip in Mile 14, which previously featured similar recreational activities that were well patronised by the public.
Apart from its economic potential, their effort to establish the water sports recreational activity was also driven by a desire to see Sandakan become more vibrant and attract more visitors.
Previously, they only offered kayaking activities and children’s games in the open spaces of the complex, but have now expanded their offerings by introducing several additional water sports activities.
