KOTA KINABALU – A multi-purpose sports complex valued close to RM7 million in Kota Marudu has come under the social media spotlight recently following a lack of significant progress since the commencement of the project two years ago.
The delay in the completion of the sports complex has led some to label the project as being akin to the ongoing littoral combat ship controversy.
Construction of the Kota Marudu sports complex, located 124km from the state capital, had commenced on September 21, 2020, and was supposed to be completed by September 21 this year.
According to a source directly involved with the project, the development of the sports complex has not been abandoned by the state government, with the project set to receive an extension of time in order to complete it.
“The area is a flood prone area. The ground had to be elevated to deal with the flooding problem and we waited for it to settle,” said the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Sabah Sports Board is the authority behind the RM6.8 million project, the source said, adding that Kota Marudu residents were really upset with the slow progress related to the complex.
“I think this was the reason why they had damaged the project billboard,” the source said in jest.
The Vibes had reliably learnt the project was mooted during the previous Warisan-led Sabah government and was approved by the then state youth and sports minister Phoong Jin Zhe.
According to Phoong, the sports complex was indeed approved during his time in office, along with the Tuaran sports complex, before the change of government following the Sabah election.
“But I don’t have the whole project details at present.
“What I can tell, though, is that the ground-breaking ceremony was done right before the Sabah election in September 2020.
“The plan was also approved the same year, while I was still state minister.
“But the tender process was conducted by the state finance ministry. I have zero knowledge on the awarding of the contract and the appointment of the contractor,” he said, adding that the cost of the both projects were approximately close to RM14 million or roughly RM7 million each.
Both Tuaran and Kota Marudu sports complexes, he learnt, are facing delays, but the slow progress of the Kota Marudu complex is more glaring.
“But indeed, if there were such issues, I believe the Sabah government should take action if they are not happy with the contractor. I believe they have procedures to deal with problems of such nature,” he said.
Phoong also said the two-year Covid-19 pandemic should not be a reason why the project should be delayed, whilst calling for the contractor to be penalised. – The Vibes, August 17, 2022
