KUNAK: The long-planned Kunak Sports Complex is hoped to be realised under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to meet the district’s growing sports development needs said Assistant Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Datuk Seri Anil Sandhu.
The Kunak Assemblyman said he hopes the project will be implemented under the 13MP, providing the district with the sports facilities it has long awaited.
He said a site for the proposed project has already been identified near the Kunak-Semporna Road.
According to him, Kunak’s strategic location between the neighbouring districts of Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna makes it well-positioned to become a regional sports development hub.
“Currently, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna have their own sports complexes. Kunak is the only district on the east coast that still does not have one.
“As the new Assemblyman for Kunak, I will continue to fight to ensure the district has its own complete and modern sports complex.
“We have been waiting since 2018. Coaches, athletes and talented young sportsmen and women have consistently voiced the need for Kunak to have sports facilities comparable to those in other east coast districts.
“I sincerely hope the sports complex, which has long been planned and eagerly awaited, will be built under the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he was speaking after officiating the 42nd Kunak District Schools Sports Council (MSSDK) Championship at the Tawau Sports Complex, last Thursday.
Anil said the decision to hold the MSSDK championship outside Kunak reflected the strong commitment of teachers, parents and students, who were willing to sacrifice their time, effort and financial resources to ensure the success of the tournament involving 15 primary schools and three secondary schools.
“I would like to express my appreciation to everyone involved in making the MSSDK championship a success. It serves as an important platform to identify and nurture promising young sporting talents for higher levels of competition,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and hoped the proposed Kunak Sports Complex would be expedited.
“At the district level, we have already held discussions with SD Guthrie, the Kunak District Office and the Land Department, while the necessary documentation has been submitted to the ministry.
“I hope the remaining processes will proceed smoothly without delays,” he said, adding that the proposed site for the sports complex, located near Kunak town, is currently within an oil palm agricultural zone managed by SD Guthrie.
