Perak Cycling Association President Datuk Amarjit Singh has denied the allegations made by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, with regards to the current condition of the Velodrome Rakyat in Ipoh.
Khairy mentioned that it would be pointless to repair the venue if it’s not maintained carefully over the next few years, pointing out that repairs were previously done in 2004, only for it to wear out years down the line.
But according to Datuk Amarjit, the venue’s condition deteriorated severely due to the country’s weather and he was also quick to add that the longer this issue drags on, the more it would cost to refurbish the venue.
“Repairs and maintanence works were carried out diligently, but because of the weather in Malaysia, the track wore out after a certain period of time,” he told Harian Metro.
“So the minister’s claim on us not preserving the place, is absolutely incorrect. The longer we wait, more issues will arise and it will cost more to repair the place.”
It will cost an approximate amount of RM4 million to repair the velodrome and add a brand new track made out of a type of wood known as ‘accoya’. This material will reportedly be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of Malaysia, for at least 50 years.
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