KUALA LUMPUR — The Velodrom Rakyat in Ipoh is set to undergo a RM10 million refurbishment that could transform Perak into a central hub for Malaysian track cycling.
The upgrade is aimed at easing the mounting congestion at the Nilai Velodrome, which is currently operating at full capacity, while providing northern athletes with easier access to a world-class training facility.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said the refurbishment will include covering the velodrome with a roof and installing a new track, bringing the facility up to modern international standards.
He added that rising costs mean RM10 million is a “fair, conservative figure” for the project, reflecting current market prices for materials and construction.
The proposal was presented to Sultan Nazrin Shah during an audience at Istana Perak, where Amarjit briefed the monarch on the latest developments in Malaysian cycling.
During the meeting, he also provided updates on national cyclists’ recent achievements at Asian and international levels, as well as ongoing efforts to develop grassroots programmes.
“Tuanku was very impressed,” Amarjit said.
The MNCF president explained that the refurbishment is crucial to ensure the Ipoh velodrome meets international standards and can host regional and global competitions.
“MNCF will prepare a comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the government to realise the initiative of upgrading the Velodrom Rakyat to international standards,” he said, highlighting the federation’s plans to attract more international events to Perak.
Amarjit also pointed to the 2026 Track Cycling World Cup, scheduled to take place at the National Velodrome in Nilai from April 24 to 26, noting that the event marks the return of a Track World Cup to Malaysia after 25 years.
He added that the Ipoh velodrome could serve as an alternative venue, reducing pressure on Nilai while providing a central hub for northern athletes.
“Northern athletes currently have to travel all the way to Nilai for training, which can be challenging. Nilai is fully congested, and it is time for Ipoh to become the main centre for track cycling. This will make training much easier and more efficient for athletes from the northern states,” Amarjit said.
He also highlighted the growing pool of cyclists in the northern region.
“Perak has many track cyclists. Penang has about 30 to 40 riders, and Kedah also has many. A lot of young grassroots athletes are coming up, but we need to make sure they are trained properly,” he said, stressing the importance of proper development and support.
When asked about the timeline for the refurbishment, Amarjit admitted the uncertainty but remained optimistic.
“You are asking me a question where it’s going to rain tomorrow, I also don’t know how to answer you. But of course, I want to be optimistic. We hope the proposal will be accepted by the federal and state government.
“If it is, then things can start moving. It will take time, of course, but as long as progress is made, that is what is important.
“As the MNCF president, I am pushing this strongly. We are driving this initiative because it is necessary for the development of cycling in Malaysia.
“This is about giving our northern athletes a proper home base. It is not just an upgrade; it is an investment in the future of Malaysian cycling.”
With RM10 million earmarked for the refurbishment, the addition of a roofed structure, and modernised track facilities, the Velodrom Rakyat is poised to become the central training hub for northern track cyclists and a potential venue for future international competitions. – April 3, 2026