Malaysia’s Pickleball Revolution Gains Ground with New Pickleball Venues

Malaysia’s Pickleball Revolution: The Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) has pledged to create more dedicated pickleball venues across the country. This decision aims to reduce the sport’s reliance on tennis facilities. The announcement follows concerns from the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM), which warned against using tennis courts for pickleball.

Addressing Concerns from Tennis Associations

LTAM emphasized the need to prioritize tennis development in Malaysia. Mohd Najwan Halimi, the Selangor Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman, shared during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly that the state government is looking into repurposing underutilized tennis courts for pickleball.

This initiative aligns with Selangor’s RM1 million plan to develop 100,000 pickleball players over five years. It includes hosting the Selangor Pickleball Festival and preparing the sport for inclusion in Sukma 2026.

Need for Dedicated Facilities

MPA president Farrell Choo spoke about the urgent need for dedicated pickleball venues.

“We need more dedicated pickleball venues to accommodate the sport’s rapid growth and its specific infrastructure needs.” – (Farrell Choo)

A standard pickleball court measures 60 by 30 feet, requiring a side barrier of around four feet high to prevent interference from adjacent courts. This makes purpose-built facilities essential.

“A standard pickleball court is 60 by 30 feet, with a recommended side barrier of around four feet high to prevent interference with adjacent courts, making purpose-built facilities essential.” – (Farrell Choo)

Choo praised the contributions of early adopters in creating pickleball venues, highlighting facilities like MYY Mall Miri, Gymkhana Club Miri, RB Homestays & Farm Kuching, and KL’s Pickle Social Club.

Growth of Pickleball in Malaysia

Choo noted that the number of dedicated pickleball courts is increasing.

“We acknowledge that more and more pickleball venues are being made available by sports operators, and many dedicated pickleball courts have been built by visionary enterprises and individuals. These include some of the largest dedicated venues in Southeast Asia.” – (Farrell Choo)

“We hope to do more with additional support in the years to come nationwide.” – (Farrell Choo)

Currently, nine state associations are registered with the MPA, with seven others, such as Kedah and Pahang, awaiting approval. These associations are promoting grassroots development through pickleball introductions, free trials, workshops, monthly challenges, and local tournaments.

“Together with state associations, we are fostering grassroots development through pickleball introductions, free trials, workshops, monthly challenges, and local tournaments.” – (Farrell Choo)

“State governments are also stepping in, introducing pickleball in schools and community centres, and allocating budgets for venue development. These are promising signs.” – (Farrell Choo)

Malaysia currently boasts over 160 pickleball courts, with key locations in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Ipoh, and Miri.

News in Brief: Malaysia’s Pickleball Revolution