Youth complex upgraded

Ti (right) receiving the certificate of completion on the upgrading of the Raub Rakan Muda Complex from Nur Farhana.

RESIDENTS in Raub, especially youths, are urged to make use of the facilities available to maintain a healthy mind and body now that various restrictions have been relaxed by the Government following the drop in Covid-19 cases.

Citing the Rakan Muda Complex, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said over the years, the Government had built such facilities for the benefit of the people and set aside allocations to upgrade and refurbish them.

“Sports is a good platform to keep fit and healthy, as well as bring about a positive impact on society through the reduction of social ills and social developments.

“In addition, sports can help develop leadership skills, foster national unity and togetherness as part of Keluarga Malaysia,” he said after receiving a certificate of completion on the upgrading of Raub Rakan Muda Complex from the contractor ANF Global Resources director Nur Farhana Sukor.

The upgrading, costing over RM2.1mil, started in December 2019 but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the contractor was given an extension of time.

In early March this year, all the upgrading works were completed and an official handing over ceremony was held on Saturday, with Ti representing the Youth and Sports Ministry.

Also present were Youth and Sports Department director- general Datuk Wasitah Mohd Yusof, deputy director-general Rakan Muda Azura Sarbin, Dong assemblyman Datuk Seri Shahiruddin Ab Moin and Pahang Youth and Sports Department director Muazamir Jili.

Ti also said many other social activities and programmes could be held at the complex so that it would not be underutilised.

He said the National Sports Council would also step up efforts to produce new and more sports talents in various fields so that they could compete in local and international championships.

“For example, we can produce more good footballers through Akademi Bolasepak Negara Mokhtar Dahari and other team events such as hockey and rugby.

“We need good coaches and systematic training programmes and approaches so that our youths who are keen on sports could be spotted and their talents harnessed to replace the older athletes and those who have retired,” he said.

Ti also hoped that more youths from Raub and Pahang could be selected and trained to represent the country in sports such as football.

Later, the deputy minister planted a black thorn durian sapling as a symbolic ceremony to mark his presence at the complex.

He also took part in a badminton match and a futsal game with the youths.