Khairy calls on Sabah to propose suitable facilities for international sports events

The Youth and Sport Ministry has asked Sabah to submit a proposal on the development of suitable sports facilities for international sport events.

Its minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, said this was part of a bid to have more venues for sport events, other than Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas, when Malaysia organised or hosted a sports meet.

"I have spoken to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and state Youth and Sport Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan about this matter to enable ministry to plan to develop the facilities proposed by the state government," he said at Sabah Umno Youth Aidilfitri open house here last night.

Khairy also suggested that the venues for the 29th SEA Games, which will be hosted by Malaysia in 2017, be expanded to Sabah and Sarawak.

The last time Malaysia hosted the event was in 2001.

Khairy also said the ministry would study the proposal to build a new racing circuit in Sabah and that Kota Belud had been identified as a suitable location for the project.

He said the project would be a joint effort under the blue ocean strategy between his ministry and the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry.

"This is to put balance on the development of youth and sports between the urban and rural areas in the state," he said.

Also present at the open house was Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.