Kunak Sports Complex plans move forward after land agreement with SD Guthrie

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 7): Plans to construct the Kunak Sports Complex have progressed significantly following a meeting between the Sabah Assistant Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, Datuk Seri Dr Anil Sandhu and representatives of plantation company SD Guthrie.

The meeting, held at the Kunak District Council office on Tuesday, was attended by SD Guthrie regional general manager Johamdan Joni and chief land management officer Khairil Anuar Sadat Salleh, along with several heads of government departments.

In a Facebook post, Dr Anil said the meeting marked a crucial milestone in Kunak’s development agenda.

“The land proposed for the Kunak Sports Complex has now been officially confirmed and agreed upon.

“From the very beginning, our intention was to develop the site facing the Kunak District Council office, and I am pleased that SD Guthrie has given its full agreement,” he said.

Dr Anil, who is also the Kunak assemblyman, said SD Guthrie, as the land owner, has verbally agreed to allocate 40 acres of land to the district, with 20 acres earmarked for the construction of the long-awaited sports complex.

“We will soon prepare and submit the working paper to the relevant authorities, finalise all land matters and ensure that allocations, including those for the new district education office and native court, are approved as soon as possible,” he added.

Dr Anil also expressed appreciation to SD Guthrie and all parties involved for facilitating the agreement.

Despite limited sporting facilities, Kunak athletes recorded commendable achievements at the Sabah Games (Saga) hosted by Tawau last year, winning one gold, two silver and eight bronze medals.