THE Penang government has allocated about RM2.1 million to upgrade the State Stadium in Batu Kawan for its track and field athletes to use as their main training venue.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the stadium has been temporarily closed as the upgrading project had begun on Oct 11 and was expected to be completed by Dec 19.
The stadium, which can accommodate 40,000 people, was opened in 2000 when Penang hosted the 8th Sukma (Malaysian Games).
“It has been 21 years and it is necessary to upgrade it to meet future needs.
“After the completion of the project, Penang athletes, neighbouring schools, and the public will be able to use a track that meets the specifications of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).
“I am also confident that the state’s track and field athletes will make good use of the track to bring more honour to Penang,” Soon said after inspecting the site yesterday, together with Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and a contractor’s representative.
Soon expressed hopes that when the track is ready for use, the 60 primary and secondary schools in the south Seberang Perai district could utilise the facility to host games and training there.
Of the 60 schools, 17 are in Bukit Tambun, 17 in Jawi, 15 in Sungai Bakap and 11 in Sungai Aceh. At least half of them do not have proper school grounds for sports activities.
Chai said there are currently 158 track and field athletes in Penang receiving training at various grounds. They include 10 athletes who previously used the State Stadium for training.
“The Batu Kawan stadium has the most complete track and field equipment in the state. We encourage schools from the south Seberang Perai district to make good use of this venue to develop outstanding athletes,” Chai said.
Story by K.H. Ong