TAWAU: The Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy (KPBKSEK) plans to build a new sports complex costing at least RM15 million in the district.
Its Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the proposed facility, to be known as the Apas Sports Complex (KSA), is expected to begin construction within the next five years.
“The Ministry has already identified a suitable site in the Apas State Assembly constituency area for the development of the Apas Sports Complex,” he said during a press conference, here, Saturday.
Nizam said the design blueprint for the complex has already been completed and the project is currently awaiting the resolution of land-use matters as well as other technical requirements.
He added that implementation of the project would also depend on the approval of funding from the State Government, but stressed that the ministry is committed to realising the plan.
“This agenda is one of my key objectives after being appointed as Minister of KPBKSEK. It is expected to benefit the local community, particularly in nurturing the talents of young people.
“At the same time, it will provide an alternative for residents of Apas without having to rely heavily on the Tawau Sports Complex, which is located some distance away from the area,” he said.
According to Nizam, the new sports complex, which will offer recreational and sporting facilities, is expected to further promote healthy lifestyles and foster a positive competitive spirit within the community.
He also expressed hope that the future Apas Sports Complex would benefit not only residents of Apas, but also those from surrounding areas such as Balung and Sri Tanjong.
The Tawau Sports Complex is the first sports complex in the district. Built at a cost of nearly RM70 million on 99 acres of land, construction began on Feb 7, 2005, before it was handed over to the Sabah State Sports Board on May 26, 2007.
