THE Penang government has allocated RM1.65 million to upgrade the running track at the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) Sports and Recreational Complex in Jalan Betek, Bukit Mertajam.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the track upgrading works have started on Oct 11 and are expected to be completed on Dec 19 this year.
“The upgrading works also involve the drainage system and purchase of some equipment.
“Overall, the upgrading project of the running track will take about 10 weeks to be completed.
“The project is timely considering the running track here has not undergone any upgrading works for the past 15 years.
“Even before this, there were a few cases where the state athletes got themselves injured during training sessions at this track. So, the upgrading works are urgently needed.
“It is also for our athletes’ convenience and safety when they undergo their training session at this track,” Soon told reporters during his site visit to the project area today.
Also present were Padang Lalang assemblyman Chong Eng, who is also the state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua and Penang Stadium Corporation and Open Spaces (PSDKLPP) chief executive officer Mohamed Akbar Mustapha.
Chai thanked the state government for the much needed upgrading works of the running track at the sports complex.
“For now, we have a total of 45 state athletes who undergo their training here.
“And since the track here is closed for upgrading works, we will send them to undergo training at other sports facilities such as at Bertam Sports Complex, UiTM Permatang Pauh and a few others to ensure these athletes receive the proper training to prepare them for the upcoming Sukma (Malaysia Games) in June next year,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis