Pickleball Picks Up Pace in Penang, But Looming Challenge Threate

That pickleball is picking up the pace in Penang shouldn’t come as a surprise. Penang, after all, has a rich history in racquet sports, as it has produced legends in both badminton (think Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei) and squash (Datuk Nicol David, anyone?). Now, at the rate pickleball is growing in the state, it might not be long before it produces another racquet sport legend, this time in pickleball.

For Erik Phuah, Chairman of the Penang Pickleball Association (PPA), the state’s steep tradition is one of the primary drivers of pickleball’s growing popularity.

“From just humble courts in backyards, there are now over 50 established venues in Penang—with about 60% on the island, and 40% on the mainland,” Phuah told StarMetro. “Penang’s diverse culture, eagerness to lead, and strong background in racquet sports has played a major role in attracting people to pickleball.”

With this growth, however, those established courts might not be enough to meet rising demand, according to Phuah, who fears pickleball’s rapid growth is outpacing its development—in turn leading to oversaturation and commercialisation. He is specifically worried about the rising costs of playing pickleball, which he says is becoming a major concern.

“Court fees for pickleball can range from RM50 to RM80 per hour, roughly three times the cost of playing badminton. A tennis court costs only RM30 to RM40 per hour, but the space can accommodate four pickleball courts,” Phuah pointed out.

State Help Is Crucial to Keep Pickleball Momentum

The rising costs of playing pickleball are obviously counterintuitive to the sport’s overall development, as these could turn off players if they have to pay more just to play. This is why Phuah is hoping the state of Penang helps out in ensuring that court prices are kept in check, and that pickleball continues to be accessible to all Penang citizens.

While the state’s relevant stakeholders figure things out, Phuah gave his assurance that the PPA will work with Penang’s powers-that-be in making sure pickleball’s growth remains unimpeded. He also vowed that the PPA will continue to promote the sport through community outreach programmes.