KEPALA BATAS: A new youth centre worth RM45mil will be developed in a 10ha area in Paya Keladi and is expected to be completed in two years.

       Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is the Kepala Batas MP, said the construction cost had been approved.

       “The youth centre will have facilities for recreational activities. It will have a modern mini-stadium equipped with floodlights, synthetic pitch, a track, a regular field for race training and an indoor arena for basketball and badminton.

       “There is also an esport (electronic sports) arena that will have international standard facilities. If there is any tournament in Penang at the international level, then it can be organised at this centre,” he said after launching the eSports Youth Cabin at the Wisma Umno here on Saturday night.

       Reezal Merican said the youth centre would also be equipped with accommodation or cabin-like hostels as well as a “hipster” cafe.

       “The youth centre will enable Kepala Batas to be equipped with various facilities that will be user-friendly to young people.

       “I expect the groundbreaking ceremony for the project to be carried out this year,” he said.

       Commenting on the eSport Youth Cabin, the minister said the initiative was launched to make Kepala Batas youth-friendly, as well as to encourage grassroots sports talent development.

       “I hope this initiative will not only inject interest but also encourage youths here to be more committed in this high-value industry,” he said. — Bernama