KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — Fed up with the lack of care given by their owners, the Sports Ministry could seek control over the Velodrome Rakyat in Ipoh.

Last month, Mailsport reported the national cyclists were in a dilemma on where to train as the Tun Razak Velodrome was to make way for development. The new facility in Nilai is scheduled for completion at the end of next year and the Velodrome Rakyat is unsafe for use.

The velodrome in Ipoh, built with public donations in 1986, was left in a decrepit condition and is no longer safe for use despite it being one of only two facilities available in the country.

“If we are putting skin in the game by fixing the velodrome then perhaps we need to look at how to manage it in the future,” Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday.

“Who is going to take care after the ministry repairs it? We can’t be forking out and leave it back in their hands when they can’t seem to take care of it.

“We’ll have to discuss with Perak government on how to manage it. If they can’t, then we have the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (MSC) and we can manage it for them.”

The ministry has pledged to repair the stadium but conceded financial constraints could delay work to next year.

Khairy was slighted by Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Abu Samah Wahab’s called for the ministry to speed up their pledge to repair the velodrome.

He slammed the Perak government, Ipoh City Council, MNCF and Perak Cycling Association for leaving the facility to rot for years.

“I am disappointed with the conditions. What have MNCF and the owners done? It was a facility for them to take care. When it can’t be used, the responsibility is given back to the ministry.

“It is not our doing the velodrome is in such a condition. I will save it but according to our financial standing. They have to be patient.

“Hopefully, it is ready by the end of the year or next year. The facility in Cheras will not be demolished until we have an alternative.”

It is unclear how much the government would spend to repair the stadium as Public Works Department initially estimated cost at RM14 million before slashing it to RM7 million.

German consultants estimated the cost at RM4 million and a specially-engineered Accoya Wood with a 50-year guarantee against rotting will be used.