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The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Pickleball craze takes over Malaysian courts
ON a bright and breezy weekend morning, sharp pops of plastic balls bouncing off paddles echo across the courts at The Pickle Grounds in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. At one court, a group of middle-aged players laugh, lunge and playfully compete with each other. Two courts down, a family match unfolds as parents and children play an energetic,exciting game. Pickleball players in a match during a mini tournament held at Grand Pickleball Arena. — LOW LAY PHON and ADANI ZAIDI/The Star It is not tennis, badminton nor table-tennis but pickleball – a quirky-sounding sport that blends elements of all three – which has rapidly taken over Malaysia's parks, halls and courts. A sport that was invented back in 1965 in the US by three fathers trying to entertain their families with makeshift sports equipment, pickleball is now making serious inroads into Malaysia. Rapid growth Selangor Pickleball Association president Ted Thor said although pickleball had been around for a long time, the paddle sport only experienced rapid growth in the 21st century. Nursharneem hopes to see more young Malaysians carry the sport well into the future. 'It started gaining popularity in 2018 in the US and has seen double digit growth every year from then. 'In Asia, Singapore is reported to be the earliest adopter as the sport started there in the 1990s while in India, it started in 2006. 'Thailand is another forerunner, starting around 2008. 'Other nations in Asia started much later – Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan and China in 2018 and then, Malaysia and Indonesia in 2019,' he elaborated. In 2019, Malaysians were introduced to pickleball with its first association being established in Miri, Sarawak. Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA), founded by Farrell Choo Kah Thiam, serves as the sport's national body. However, the sport did not gain momentum until the end of 2023, said Thor. 'When I first started playing in late 2021, there were only about two small groups of regular players in Kuala Lumpur and no dedicated courts; just tennis or open-air badminton courts. 'By late 2023, a few dedicated courts began popping up around Klang Valley,' he said. Tan says pickleball's rise is due to the sport's simplicity. 'Then in 2024, the sport exploded and now there are at least 50 privately-owned arenas across Malaysia, each with multiple courts.' According to Grand Pickleball Arena founder Low Chung King, there are more than 400 courts across Malaysia. 'In Kuala Lumpur, there were only six venues in June 2023. 'By December the same year, there were 70. 'Today, there are over 200.' Low said the number of players was also rising rapidly. Low says the number of pickleball players in Malaysia is rising. 'There is an app called Reclub, which allows players to register and find people of the same skill level to play with. 'We currently have more than 143,000 active users (on Reclub), making Malaysia the No.1 pickleball country in Asia, ahead of Vietnam and the Philippines,' he told StarMetro at his sports facility in Shah Alam. In terms of growth, Low said Malaysia also ranked among the top three fastest-growing pickleball nations globally, based on statistics compiled by Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR). DUPR is a global ranking system for pickleball players. 002 Pickleball Club and Academy founder and coach Colin Tan attributed pickleball's rise to the sport's simplicity and inclusivity. 'The game itself is interesting; it has something that most other sports do not have. 'If you watch tennis, ping-pong or badminton, the game is all about speed and power. 'But in pickleball, you will see people deliberately slowing the game down,' said Tan. This unique dynamic made it accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender or skill level, he highlighted. Pickleball enthusiasts playing a game at an outdoor court at Grand Pickleball Arena in Shah Alam. 'Women can easily play against men. 'Not only that, it is also accessible to the elderly. 'A lot of pickleball players have a background in other racquet sports too,' he added. Tan, who had to retire from competitive sports due to injuries, recalled his own experience of picking up the game. 'When you are used to playing at a certain level and suddenly you have to play at a recreational level, it is not nearly as enjoyable. 'Because of injuries, I stopped playing tennis and football. 'But when my friend introduced me to pickleball, I felt like I could play this sport,' he said. Tan said this was also a contributory factor to pickleball's growth. 'Basically, it is easier than playing tennis and badminton competitively. 'In these games as well as most others, power comes first,' he noted. An exciting match during the Inter-Uni Pickleball Showdown 2025 at The Pickle Grounds. He said it was not just about power in pickleball, it was about anticipation and accuracy. 'We have something called the four 'p's, namely patience, position, placement and only then power. 'This is why the sport is inclusive. 'Sometimes, you will see whole families coming together and playing against each other,' Tan added. Age-friendly sport Also finding it easy to pick up the game were a trio of older players, who spoke to StarMetro while on a break from a game at one of the courts in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya. Consultant company chief executive officer Prof Dr Louis Adaikalam along with event planning company director Pamela Hew and managing director Stenn Wong said they were passionate about the sport. 'I just started playing pickleball about two to three months ago and now I am addicted to it,' said Louis. Approaching their 60s, they said pickleball was just the right sport for their pace. 'As I grow older, I realise that my balance and coordination are not so good, so I need to pick up a sport, but badminton is too intense. 'I wanted something a bit more mellow,' said Louis, who then tried out pickleball. 'It really helped to keep my balance, coordination and mobility,' Louis added. Wong said playing pickleball to sweat it out was very effective in clearing the mind. 'The body is also recharged again. 'It is a nice social game as well that you can play at your own pace,' he added. Hew, a former squash player, explained how pickleball's pace suited her lifestyle. 'I used to play squash when I was younger and now I am no longer as young. 'Since pickleball is not so intense and it is like a mixture of squash and tennis, I would say it really does suit my pace,' added Hew. Their pickleball group, they said, included players as young as 21 and as old as 64, with diverse backgrounds, Malaysians of all races and even people from Russia and the Netherlands. 'We even have a former Wimbledon player with us as well. 'We are like a community,' Louis said. Although Malaysian enthusiasts saw pickleball as a social activity in the beginning, it quickly became a competitive sport. Professional pickleball player Nursharneem Imann Shamsuddin, from Sabah, has represented Malaysia in prestigious tournaments like the US Open Pickleball Championships. 'At some of these tournaments, the other players do not really know where Malaysia is nor that we are involved in pickleball,' said Nursharneem, a former tennis athlete who is now based in the US. 'I am trying to make them aware that other international players, especially from Asia, are trying to tap into pickleball as well. 'And I think they are starting to realise now that everyone can compete and it is not exclusively just the US anymore,' the 26-year-old added. As Nursharneem moves forward with her professional career, she hopes to see more young Malaysians do the same and continue the sport well into the future. 'I hope that the next generation will pick up the sport and go far. 'Some of my tennis juniors have already approached me asking about pickleball. 'I say go for it. It is a new sport, and it will definitely grow more in the future,' she said. Malaysia as global player This year alone, Malaysia has hosted several major pickleball events, highlighting its growing regional importance. The Inter-Uni Pickleball Showdown 2025 debuted with a splash last month in Bandar Utama. With 144 participants across 14 universities in Malaysia, the tournament laid the groundwork for pickleball's sustainable growth among a new generation. Similarly, the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Asia Grand Slam 2025 was another highlight for the local scene. Labelled as Asia's largest pickleball tournament, the Grand Slam brought more than 1,500 athletes from 20 countries to Malaysia, showcasing the country's participation on the global pickleball stage. 'Some say there are too many tournaments in Malaysia; at peak times, up to 10 events happen in a single weekend,' said Low. 'But this tournament overload is exactly what fuels the sport's growth. 'Frequent competition motivates players to train harder, leading to the rapid growth of the coaching industry as well,' he said. Thor agreed, noting that prize money and income from tournaments could turn pickleball into a viable career. 'With that kind of income, more potential players will be turning professional and making a career out of pickleball. 'As long as a sport can offer lucrative income, it will gain traction and become very much like other sports,' he pointed out. Another key to supporting pickleball's ongoing rise is introducing the sport at grassroots level and establishing private-public synergy. 'For pickleball to grow sustainably, strong public-private collaboration is essential,' said Thor. 'Private entities bring the drive and funding, while government agencies provide crucial support. 'If Youth and Sports Ministry and Education Ministry work with MPA and state associations, the sport can reach the grassroots level. 'MPA is already training certified instructors and engaging both ministries to bring pickleball into schools and communities,' added Thor.
The Star
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Taste of Japan in Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Bukit Jalil has been transformed into a cultural haven with spectacular performances for the Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa' Japan! Together Here. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star MALAYSIANS will not need to board a plane to experience the vibrant culture of Japan this week. Pavilion Bukit Jalil is hosting Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa, Japan! Together Here'. The five-day celebration, which ends tomorrow, is organised in collaboration with Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (Jagam). The festival brings the essence of Japan to Kuala Lumpur, featuring traditional performances, authentic street food, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities throughout the mall. Highlights include Japanese pop music as well as Yosakoi and Bon Odori dance performances Look out for comedy performances by 3 Gaga Heads and a show by idol group KLP48 today and tomorrow. People enjoying the performances at the mall and recording the show. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (retail) Datuk Joyce Yap said it was part of their mission to create an immersive experience beyond retail. 'We believe in curating experiences that go beyond shopping – bringing people together and enriching lives with the best the world has to offer. 'Through our collaboration with Jagam, we are proud to present an authentic cultural journey where families and friends can discover the rich traditions and modern delights of Japan,' she said in a media statement. According to Yap, the festival is a celebration of connection, learning and shared memories that inspire visitors long after they leave. Other attractions include a bonsai showcase highlighting the intricate art of Japanese miniature trees, a Tamagotchi Pop-Up by Cotton Blue and the Doko Koko Pop-Up by Nijigen. Visitors can also explore displays of traditional arts and crafts, enjoy cosplay performances today and tomorrow, and witness a maguro cutting show today, which is a demonstration of the traditional Japanese technique of butchering a whole bluefin tuna. Grab the opportunity to try on a yukata for RM40 at the venue too.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
LUAS: Riverside activities allowed with conditions
Stacked chairs sit on tables placed directly in Sungai Kemensah as a riverside eatery prepares to welcome customers. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star THE presence of restaurants, campsites or other commercial setups along riverbanks may raise eyebrows, but such activities are not necessarily illegal, according to Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS). Businesses can legally operate near or even over rivers, provided they meet strict conditions and obtain necessary approvals, the water authority said. LUAS is an agency under Selangor government responsible for preserving and conserving water resources. 'Any activity within 50m of a river reserve, or involving a water body, is considered a resource alteration activity and requires written permission from LUAS,' the agency said. This requirement is outlined under Section 43 (1) of LUAS Enactment 1999 and Resource Alteration Activity (Selangor) Regulations 2013. Approvals may also come with a set of general and specific conditions, while buffer distances vary depending on water source type and river width. LUAS says it regularly monitors rivers. — Courtesy photo 'Beyond that, some operators may also need additional licences, such as a Licence for Discharge or Release of Waste and Pollutants, a Return Water Licence (Section 79) or a Water Abstraction Licence (Section 107),' LUAS stated. It said river diversions, embankments or any permanent or semi-permanent structures, including platforms and dining decks, must not proceed without proper authorisation from its director. 'This applies even in hotspot areas like Kampung Kemensah in Hulu Kelang.' In our report yesterday, StarMetro highlighted concerns of over-commercialisation along Sungai Kemensah. Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) had said that none of the 70 businesses currently operating in Kampung Kemensah were licensed. Despite this, MPAJ said it had long-term plans to regulate and legalise these businesses through a formal whitelisting programme. MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari said the initiative was intended to bring recreational, tourism and commercial activities in the area under official oversight. LUAS said it conducted regular review through local council planning committees, site monitoring and checks on pollution control measures to ensure compliance. 'Significant pollution arises from restaurants, laundromats, workshops and improper greywater discharge. 'Enforcement under Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 by the local authorities prohibits direct waste discharge. 'River Monitoring Programmes with water sampling at outfalls are also conducted,' the spokesperson said. LUAS added that it issued nine fines in 2024 totalling RM212,500 for unauthorised resource alteration, and five fines for water pollution totalling RM2.125mil. Other enforcement measures it took included legal proceedings against those involved in unauthorised realignment of Sungai Pusu in Gombak. — By BAVANI M and SHALINI RAVINDRAN
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Cheras intersection affected by sinkhole reopens to traffic
The sinkhole at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat has been filled and the route reopened to traffic. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star AN intersection in Taman Pertama, Cheras, is now reopened to traffic after a sinkhole there has been repaired. The sinkhole, which appeared at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in late April, had led to the closure of sections of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi for public safety. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said initial checks at the site found the subsidence was not caused by any leaks, such as water or sewerage pipes. 'Further investigations are now focused on the underground drainage system, specifically the box culvert structure located 7m beneath the road. 'Inspections using drone technology and aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems identified damage to the culvert structure. 'This damage was the cause of soil erosion and cavity formation in the surrounding area,' it said in a media statement. In a May 8 StarMetro report, 'Cheras sinkhole leads to closure of several roads' it was speculated the caving-in could have developed during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works at a nearby development project. DBKL said that as an immediate measure, refilling of the sinkhole with suitable materials was carried out and completed on May 20. 'At the same time, the developer was instructed to stabilise the surrounding area using the polyurethane (PU) foam injection method. 'The affected area remains closed for ongoing safety monitoring, while other routes at the junction have been reopened to traffic,' said the statement. DBKL added that permanent repair of the box culvert structure would be carried out without the need to excavate the road surface, to minimise disruption. The repair works are expected to take between three and six months, depending on the method chosen. Resident Sukhdev Singh Cheema expressed concerns about safety and urged DBKL to share its findings. 'The authorities sealed up the main sinkhole in the middle of the intersection, but another one appeared near the corner of Jalan Selangat, just a few metres away,' he said. Sukhdev, who is a member of the Cheras Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) for sub-zone 3, called for a thorough study to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Illegal dump beside substation worrying'
The dumpsite located next to the TNB main substation (right) and Bukit Jalil Highway. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star AN illegal dumpsite along Bukit Jalil Highway is raising concerns as it is located next to a Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) main substation. Bukit Jalil Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Azhar Harun said the site's close proximity to TNB cables and pylons was worrying. 'If a fire breaks out at the dumpsite, it might spread next door and turn into an electrical fire which is more dangerous and difficult to extinguish. 'Unlike conventional fire-fighting methods, we will need to use foam to put out the fire if nearby electrical components are affected. 'Furthermore, there is also no water source around the area,' he told StarMetro. Mohd Azhar said he had also received complaints from firefighters about mosquitoes in the vicinity. 'Our quarters are located in between the fire and rescue station and the dumping site. Mohd Azhar says complaints to the authorities about the illegal dumpsite have not been acted on. 'From there, we can see that rubbish is being dumped behind, which is very near to a river tributary,' he said. From the top floor of the 10-storey quarters, StarMetro saw piles of rubbish stacked up. Another pile was scattered behind, next to the river. According to firefighters at the station, lorries could be seen dumping rubbish while some vehicles were spotted collecting the rubbish. Mohd Azhar said he had highlighted the matter to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Environment Department (DOE), and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office (PTGWP) since last year but not much had been done. A letter from PTGWP dated March 11, to the Fire and Rescue Department Station chief, stated an investigation on March 6 determined the dumpsite was operating illegally. It also stated an eviction notice was issued to the owner on Sept 11, 2024, for occupying state land unlawfully under Section 425(1) of the National Land Code 1965. When contacted, PTGWP reiterated the site had been issued an eviction notice. However, no enforcement action had been taken since. DBKL in a letter on March 25 said no investigations were conducted as they could not find the precise location of the dumpsite. StarMetro had reached out to DBKL several times for comments but had received no response at press time.
