Completion of Taman Merbau Basketball Court Renovation

(Miri, 10th) The Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak and Piasau Constituency State Assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew today inspected and witnessed the completion of the Taman Merbau basketball court renovation project, which was approved through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) with a budget of RM150,000.

The project included a complete refurbishment of the basketball court surface, painting, updating the basketball hoop stands, replacing the fencing, and installing lighting to facilitate players for nighttime games.

Chen Chao Yew, together with Miri United People's Party (Piasau) branch youth leader and Miri city councilor Leslie Lau Ik Chie, the contractors, and local basketball players, inspected the work to ensure quality standards were met. The project lasted 4 months and was completed by the end of last December.

Sebastian Ting stated that the basketball court surface has been raised by 4 inches and repainted, with newly renovated hoop stands, and the court was painted in a new, colorful design to fulfill the players’ requests instead of a single color tone. The newly installed six lighting fixtures are completed and await connection by Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation (Sesco) before they can be utilized.

Ting emphasized that the renovation was conducted according to the needs of basketball enthusiasts, who have also established an organization responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the venue.

He pointed out that besides the residents of Taman Merbau, basketball enthusiasts from Tunku Village will also use this facility. He also mentioned that other courts within the Piasau Constituency have been renovated and expressed hope to host regular friendly matches in the future, further enhancing Miri's basketball level and promoting a healthy lifestyle by encouraging community members to actively participate in sports.