RANAU: The lack of a suitable multipurpose hall in Kundasang has forced organisers of a women’s netball tournament to hold the event in Ranau, highlighting the urgent need for better sports and community facilities in the popular highland tourist destination.
Ranau District Council member Samsul Sinun said the issue had been raised during a full council meeting, where the proposed construction of a community hall in Kundasang was brought up for consideration.
He said the Srikandi Kundasang Closed Netball Championship, held at Ranau Community Hall on Sunday, demonstrated how the shortage of suitable facilities was affecting the local community’s ability to organise sporting and other activities.
“Although this tournament carries the Kundasang name, it had to be held in Ranau because there is no suitable hall in Kundasang.
“This clearly reflects the urgent need for proper sports facilities and a multipurpose hall to serve the local community,” he said.
Samsul, who also represented the organising committee, said the shortage of facilities not only affected the organisation of sporting events but also limited opportunities to identify and nurture young talent, particularly among women and youths.
He said the situation also restricted the community’s ability to organise cultural, educational, youth development and other activities within Kundasang itself.
“As a Ranau District Council member, I have raised the need for a Kundasang community hall during a full council meeting.
“I hope the State Government and relevant agencies will give serious consideration to this proposal, as such a facility is greatly needed by the local community,” he said.
Samsul said Kundasang was not only a major tourist destination but also home to an active community involved in sports, agriculture, cultural programmes and various social activities.
He said a properly equipped hall would provide a more conducive environment for residents to organise activities without having to travel elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Samsul said the netball championship attracted eight teams despite being restricted to women aged 35 and above.
He said the encouraging response demonstrated the strong sporting spirit and enthusiasm among women in Kundasang and surrounding areas.
“The participation of eight teams, despite the age restriction, shows that there is considerable interest in sports among women in this area.
“I believe the number of participants could increase further if similar tournaments were opened to more age categories, providing opportunities for more athletes and teams to showcase their abilities,” he said.
He stressed that a community hall should not be viewed merely as another building project but as a long-term investment in developing local sporting talent and strengthening community participation. Such a facility, he said, could serve as a training centre, competition venue and gathering place while helping young people develop discipline, confidence, teamwork and unity.
The championship was jointly organised by Kundasang Netball Club, Mesilou Volunteer Club (Mevoc), Mesilou Atamis Homestay (MAH) and Ranau District Council.
Samsul thanked the organising committee for its commitment and cooperation in ensuring the tournament’s success.
He also expressed appreciation to Datuk Jauteh Dikun, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and members of Mesilou Atamis Homestay for their contributions and support.
He thanked Ranau District Council for providing Ranau Community Hall as the tournament venue, enabling participants to compete in a suitable and organised environment.
