68-acre Petra Jaya site set for S’wak high-performance sports centre

Abdul Karim flags off D’Drift 2026 outside the DayakDaily office on Feb 18, holding the Ibu Pertiwi flag.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Feb 18: Around 68 acres of land in Petra Jaya, previously allocated for a Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) training facility have been returned to Sarawak, clearing the way for a high-performance sports centre within the Sarawak Sports Complex. The centre aims to modernise athlete training by integrating sports science, providing structured support for elite athletes while also offering public access to world-class facilities.

Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the days of sending athletes to train day and night without structured scientific support are over. “Sports science must play an integral role in the process by covering nutrition, focusing on targeted physical development and strengthening mindset preparation,” he said during a press conference in conjunction with the DayakDaily D’Drift 2026 flag-off at the DayakDaily office today.

He added that the high-performance centre will be modelled on international best practices, drawing on studies conducted in Australia, New Zealand and South Korea to inform its design.

“The facility will include specialised cubicles that simulate different climate conditions, enabling athletes to acclimatise effectively before competing overseas.

“Countries that excel in sports rely on these systems. For instance, New Zealand, with a population of around four million, won 16 gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This is the level of preparation we aspire to for Sarawak’s athletes,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with the DayakDaily D’Drift 2026 flag-off at the DayakDaily office today.

Abdul Karim said the complex will serve as a training ground for elite athletes while remaining open to the public to ensure the facilities are actively used. Plans include a velodrome, expanded shooting ranges for skeet and trap disciplines, and additional sports infrastructure across the 68-acre site.

The minister added that negotiations with the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), are ongoing to support management of the centre, including recruitment and remuneration for sports scientists, many of whom may be sourced from overseas through the National Sports Institute.

“The high-performance centre will be built in Sarawak, but we prefer a collaborative approach since the athletes will represent Malaysia. Proper management is essential to keep the facilities active, as we have seen in Australia where the public uses sports complexes on weekends,” he said.

He expressed hope that the centre could be realised within the next two to three years, transforming Sarawak into a vibrant sports hub and enhancing the State’s contribution to national and international sporting events. — DayakDaily