DREAMS OF HAVING A SPORTS COMPLEX TO BECOME A REALITY FOR PEOPLE OF GUAL IPOH

By Azli Shafii

TANAH MERAH, April 11 (Bernama) -- The dreams of people in Tanah Merah, especially in Gual Ipoh, here, to have a sports complex is now almost a reality when the first phase of the construction project has been slated to start in early May.

The planned sports complex will be built on 15.33 acres of land that has been gazetted as a recreational and leisure reserve strategically located in the heart of Gual Ipoh, near mosques, police stations, clinics, Rural Transformation Centres (RTCs) as well as major towns and the location is expected to facilitate access for local residents.

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Kelantan State Youth, Sports and Unity, NGOs and Community Unity Committee deputy chairman Bahari Mohamad Noor said the first phase of the project involves the construction of a football field complete with a pavilion, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

"The construction works will start this May at a cost of RM200,000 which has been approved by the state government. Currently, the project is in the process of procurement and quotation to the contractor.

"The field will also be equipped with floodlights to enable sports activities at night, as well as the construction of a race track," he told Bernama at the Gual Ipoh Sports Complex project site here, recently.

Bahari said the sports complex is also planned to be equipped with other facilities in phases, including sepak takraw courts, futsal courts, main halls, surau, children's playground and kiosks.

"The management of this complex will involve the cooperation of the Tanah Merah District Council which is experienced in the maintenance of facilities such as fields, toilets and other facilities.

"At the moment I cannot say the total cost of development, but what is important is that the land has been gazetted for leisure and recreation, and that is a big step," he said adding that any state or federal agency can also come forward to contribute to expedite the development process of the complex.

"I myself have written a letter to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. If we get assistance at the federal level, the development of this complex will be faster, as a result of the cooperation between the state and federal governments," he said.

Meanwhile, local resident Muhammad Shukri Abd Rashid, 60, said the existence of the sports complex is expected to bring economic benefits to the residents.

"It will open up opportunities for residents to do business as many tournaments and sports activities can be organised here.

"This complex also has the potential to drive the progress of Gual Ipoh and attract other investments such as the opening of supermarkets and new businesses," he said.

Another resident, Che Sanusi Ismail, 29, said the construction of the sports complex was very timely as there were no complete sports facilities in the area.

"In Gual Ipoh, there is no football field for young people. We used to play on the school field, but now it's not allowed for some reason.

"If we want to play futsal, we have to go to the town of Tanah Merah almost 25 kilometres away. In fact, to play football at night, we are forced to go to Pasir Mas or Kota Bharu," he said.

-- BERNAMA