Velodrom Rakyat Issue: Sports Development, Facilities A Shared Responsibility - KBS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has stressed that sports is categorised under the Concurrent List of the Federal Constitution, meaning the responsibility for sports development and facilities must be shared between the Federal and state governments.

In a statement today, KBS addressed the Malaysian National Cycling Federation’s (MNCF) call for ministry intervention to save the Velodrom Rakyat in Ipoh, which is reportedly in a critical state.

According to the ministry, Velodrom Rakyat was built in 1989 on state land and is owned by the Perak State Government under the jurisdiction of the Ipoh City Council (MBI).

“During the 2018 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Perak, the Federal Government through KBS allocated RM12.7 million to upgrade the facility, in line with the shared responsibility of advancing national sports,” the statement read.

KBS expressed hope that the State Government and MNCF would also play their roles in maintaining the facility to ensure it can be utilised by athletes and the public, particularly those in Perak.

MNCF President Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill had previously urged KBS to intervene immediately to save the iconic velodrome, claiming it now poses a safety risk to users.

He also expressed disappointment over bureaucratic hurdles and a finger-pointing culture, which he claimed has left the facility idle for over a year, with no racing or training activities.

Amarjit said the lack of a roof was the primary cause of recurring damage to the timber track surface, as exposure to rain and extreme heat has significantly compromised cyclists' safety.

-- BERNAMA