Pickleball has taken another step forward in Malaysia with the opening of two dedicated courts at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Sports Village in Bintawa.
The newly repainted multipurpose facility now accommodates three badminton courts, two pickleball courts, and one netball court, reflecting MBKS’s commitment to providing residents with affordable and diverse recreational options.
Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng underscored the broader vision behind the upgrade, noting that sports facilities are more than places for exercise—they are community spaces where families gather, friendships are built, and healthy lifestyles are encouraged. “Investing in public sports infrastructure is an investment in the well‑being of our community,” he said at the opening ceremony.
For pickleball, the addition of these courts is yet another marker of its growing popularity in Malaysia and beyond. Recognised for its simplicity, affordability, and inclusiveness, the sport continues to attract players across age groups and fitness levels. “By introducing pickleball courts, we hope to encourage more Kuchingites to participate in sports and embrace active lifestyles,” Wee added.
The MBKS Sports Village offers competitive rates to ensure accessibility. Badminton courts are priced at RM8 per hour during weekdays from 9am to 5pm, rising to RM10 in the evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Netball courts are available at RM10 per hour during the day and RM20 in peak hours. Pickleball courts, meanwhile, are open daily from 9am to 10pm at RM30 per hour. Bookings can be made at Counter 7 in the MBKS lobby or by calling 082‑354200. An online booking system is also in the pipeline.
The opening of these courts not only expands recreational opportunities for Kuching residents but also signals pickleball’s steady ascent in Malaysia. From shopping centres and community hubs to city‑run sports villages, the game is increasingly woven into everyday life—another sign that pickleball is no longer a fringe pastime but a sport firmly establishing its place in the region’s sporting landscape.
