Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has demolished 30 futsal courts, which were not properly maintained, nationwide since 2021, with most of them being 1Malaysia futsal courts. Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim stated that 20 courts in Peninsular Malaysia were demolished, costing RM11 million, while 10 were torn down in Sabah and Sarawak, incurring losses amounting to RM1.4 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adam Adli explained that numerous futsal courts were constructed at the time but were not registered as KBS assets due to being built on state or state reserve land, as well as on private, individual, school, and Felda land. The lack of registration led to the neglect of these courts, as they were established without mechanisms for maintenance or monitoring by KBS, local authorities, or sports associations.
Adam Adli, speaking after the launch of the Ayer Keroh Pulse Play Sports Complex, which was also attended by Pulse Play managing director Azahari Muhammad Rejab, mentioned that the ministry is in the process of systematically checking and re-listing neglected courts or facilities. Currently, out of the 1,943 futsal courts recorded by KBS, 1,425 have been handed over without repairs to landowners, 384 have been handed over with repair costs, and 30 have been demolished.
Emphasizing the need for a culture of proper maintenance, Adam Adli stressed the importance of implementing systematic maintenance plans to ensure the longevity of sports centers or courts for public use. He highlighted the shared responsibility of the community, local authorities, and the ministry in maintaining facilities like the newly opened Pulse Play Sports Complex.
Commenting further on the Pulse Play Sports Complex, Adam Adli expressed optimism about its potential to boost the sports tourism industry in Melaka. The complex is equipped with various modern facilities, including a seven-a-side football pitch and courts for pickleball and padel, sports that are rapidly gaining popularity in Malaysia.