‘Santubong Petanque Complex rental fees need to be reviewed’

KUCHING: High rental fees of the Santubong Petanque Complex is hampering the development of the state players.

According to Assistant Minister for Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who is also Pantai Damai assemblyman, he has received complaints from several associations regarding the issue.

He thus hoped that related parties including Sarawak State Sports Council ( MSNS) could review and reassess the rental rates to lessen the burden on various parties who wanted to use the facility.

“Petanque has proven that it can contribute medals for Sarawak in events such as the Malaysia Games (Sukma). How can we groom more players if the they are not really able to utilise the place,” he said yesterday.

He acknowledged that the expensive rate was probably due to high maintenance costs, and commented that the usage of the facility should be maximised.

Dr Abdul Rahman revealed that he has met with Sarawak Sports Corporation chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee recently to discuss the matter.

“I believe one of the reasons why the complex was constructed is because we want to see more talented petanque players from Sarawak. We also hope that the state government can look into this matter,” he said.

Dr Abdul Rahman was speaking to reporters after witnessing a sponsorship handing over ceremony from LEA Sports Centre to the Petanque Association of Kuching Division for the Kuching Petanque Double Open Tournament.

Over 200 teams from all across the country will take part in the Oct 13-14 tournament at the Santubong Petanque Complex.