Ministry going all out to address weaknesses in sports facilities in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 9): The state Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has reiterated his commitment of addressing any weaknesses related to sports facilities in Sabah.

He has given assurance that the existing sports facilities would be safe, comfortable and functioning properly for athletes and youths.

“I am a newly-appointed minister and in the last DUN (State Legislative Assembly) sitting, I have expressed my commitment to address any weaknesses that may have occurred in the past.

“Whatever is good, we will continue and whatever needs to be improved, we will correct,” he said when met after witnessing the signing ceremony for the organisation of the Borneo International Marathon 2026.

Nizam’s remarks were made in connection with the condition of the gymnastics hall at the Kota Kinabalu Sport Complex in Likas, said to be dilapidated and had gone viral on social media since Thursday.

Nizam added that his ministry had instructed the management of the Sabah Sports Board (SSB) – the agency responsible for sports facilities in Sabah – to conduct an inspection and submit a report immediately.

“My ministry would need some time to assess the overall condition of the existing sports facilities.

“I plan to conduct a tour throughout Sabah to see for myself the condition of the available facilities,” said the state minister.

Meanwhile, Nizam expressed appreciation to the public for coming forward and voicing out complaints as well as feedback, hailing them as ‘the eyes and the ears of the government’ in terms of efforts to improve management and provision of facilities.

He also stressed that the ministry, together with the SSB, had always strove to provide the best, with the main focus on youth development, sports development and strengthening the creative economy in Sabah.

“These continuous efforts are in line with the desire to produce more independent youths who are able to contribute to the aspiration of making Sabah a sports state, in addition to improving the people’s creative skills to generate income,” he added.