Hang Jebat Sailboat Complex in Melaka expected to be restored

ALOR GAJAH, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Hang Jebat Sailboat Complex in Pengkalan Balak here, which is currently closed due to severe damage, is expected to be restored at an estimated cost of RM4 million.

State Youth, Sports and Non-government Organisations (NGO) Committee chairman VP Shanmugam  said restoration work will begin after they receive a special allocation from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) by the middle of this year.

"The complex’s location by the beach, which is often exposed to strong winds, caused the building to sustain damage, including leaks to the roof and 20 dormitory rooms and other facilities, all of which need to be repaired for safety and comfort.

"The complex needs to be fixed immediately as it is expected to be the National Sports Council’s (NSC) second sailing complex after the Langkawi National Sailboat Training Centre in Kedah,” he told reporters after officiating the close of a disaster readiness training session with the community of Gadek constituency here today.

Media outlets have previously reported that the complex had been officially taken over by NSC from the Melaka state government management in July 2021.

In other developments, Shanmugam said that the Melaka contingent required roughly RM7.6 million in allocations to repair and replace various ageing or damaged sports facilities and equipment.

He said that such facilities were important for athletes’ use during training, especially for initial preparations for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) that will take place in Johor in 2024.

"Many sports facilities and equipment in Melaka have aged and are no longer safe to use since Melaka was the host for the 13th Sukma in 2010.

“The state government has requested allocation from KBS to maintain, repair or replace such equipment and facilities to allow athletes to train safely,” he said, adding that the allocation would also be used to pay allowances of coaches and athletes, as well as pay for the equipment, rental, transport and other expenses.

-- BERNAMA