Sabah’s first skating rink opens Aug 18

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia’s largest 3S (Smart Skating System) ice skating rink, the first of its kind in Sabah, will officially open at Kompleks Asia City (KAC) on Saturday, August 18.

The 15,000 sq ft skating arena, located on the 4th floor of the complex, has a 4,116 sq ft skating rink, Managing Director of KAC Skating Rink Sdn Bhd Dr Ting Ing Chiew said at a press conference at his office yesterday.

Dr Ting said a Swiss manufacturer was commissioned at the beginning of this year to carry out work on the RM2.8 million project, which is designed and built as a one-stop recreational facility with a snack bar, a pro-shop, vending machines and washrooms.

The 3S is a revolutionary invention that simulates the characteristics of real ice, so skaters will enjoy the pleasure and environment of ice-skating without having to put on thick clothing, he said, explaining that the synthetic material used to simulate ice does not require refrigeration.

The rink also saves on operational fees since it does not use ice, and therefore does not need the electricity, plumbing or water that ice rinks typically do.

“Players can use roller-skates at the initial stage, and later (upgrade to) blade-skates. The skating shoes have interchangeable rollers and blades,” he said, adding that they have two in-house coaches trained in Italy.

Members of the public have been invited to witness the opening ceremony beginning at 3pm on Saturday. The highlight of the afternoon will be the ice hockey demonstration by Kelab Hoki Ais Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and a figure skating performance by skaters from China.

From 7pm to 10pm, Dr Ting said, members of the public can try out the ice-skating free of charge.

Operation hours are 10am–10pm, Monday to Sunday. Admission to the ice-skating rink on weekdays costs RM10 (general admission), RM8 (students) and RM6 (children below 12 years of age); on weekends, it is RM12 (general admission), RM10 (students) and RM8 (children below 12 years of age).

Dr Ting said that there are plans to organise an international mini-competition once a year at the arena as a way to promote the tourism industry.