Assistant Minister to lobby for an astroturf in Sibu
SIBU: It is high time for an astroturf to be built in Sibu to cater to the needs of hockey players in the central region.
The call was made by Assistant Minister for Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee who said there is justification as Sibu is strategically located as an ideal place for centralised training.
Dr Annuar, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health, also indicated that he will officially write to Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry to put forward the request.
“I have spoken to Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister) and he has advised me to write in to his ministry,” he added.
Dr Annuar also observed that, historically, many of the state players were from Sibu.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the close of the Nangka Constituency Bumiputera Badminton Team Competition 2018 at MMB here yesterday.
The Nangka assemblyman lamented there is not even a grass hockey field in Sibu.
This had compelled some players to train on cemented courts which could lead to injuries.
“I think it is the right time for an astroturf to be built in Sibu,” he said.
He also revealed that a secondary school in Sibu Jaya had proposed for an astroturf to be built in its premises.
Meanwhile, MUCRG emerged as champion while Wyldaan, PDRM Sibu and SSBSPN were second, third and fourth in the badminton tournament.
Among those present at the closing ceremony was Nangka Sports, Culture, Social and Unity Secretariat chairman Councillor Jimmy De Rozario.