Kota Kinabalu (Dec 16) - The Sabah Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy is intensifying efforts to resolve delays and deficiencies affecting youth and sports infrastructure throughout the state, according to its minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
Speaking in his winding-up address during the 2026 State Budget debate at the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Nizam said work on the Tongod Sports Complex would resume following the termination of the previous contractor on Sept 3, 2025, due to non-performance. He added that preparations are underway to appoint a rescue contractor to revive and complete the stalled project.
In response to calls for increased allocations in view of Sabah’s large youth population, Nizam said he welcomed the suggestion and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to enhancing service delivery. He also expressed confidence that future funding requests would receive due consideration from the Finance Ministry.
Touching on complaints over the deteriorating condition of facilities at the Likas Sports Complex, Nizam explained that heavy public usage had contributed to wear and tear. He gave assurances that repairs and routine maintenance would be carried out, alongside personal inspections of sports complexes across Sabah. He also noted that feasibility studies would be undertaken for proposed youth centres, mini stadiums and community sports fields.
On athlete welfare, Nizam said provisions under the 2026 Budget aim to protect the long-term interests of Sabah’s athletes through incentives, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, education and employment pathways, grassroots sports grants and a proposed Athletes Welfare Fund. He also outlined plans for the development of a motorsports circuit and the adoption of a district-based strategy for new sports complexes.