Malaysia’s Pickleball Boom Continues: MPA President Stays Optimistic Amid Rising Court Fees

Source: Hiredly

Pickleball is surging in Malaysia, and the country’s recent Panas Cup 2025 tournament—widely hailed as a major success—has only reinforced what many already know: the sport’s popularity is exploding across the region.

While interest in pickleball continues to rise, so too does the pace of court construction, with private investors and facility operators rapidly developing dedicated pickleball spaces to meet demand. But along with this expansion, one trend has raised eyebrows among players: the sharp increase in hourly court fees, which have climbed from RM20 to as high as RM70 in some locations.

Despite this, Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) President Farrell Choo Kah Thiam remains optimistic. He sees the price hikes not as a roadblock but as a reflection of growing enthusiasm for the sport.

“As demand increases, prices rise, and the operators are responsible for setting these rates,” Thiam told Bernama. “But I believe that as more dedicated pickleball facilities are built, the cost will eventually decrease.”

Overcoming Resistance, Building Momentum

The road to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. In pickleball’s early days in Malaysia, the MPA faced resistance from traditional sports operators—particularly badminton and tennis venues—concerned that pickleball might damage their courts.

“We encountered resistance early on,” Thiam explained. “Some operators rejected our requests due to fears the ball would damage the surface. But we were fortunate others gave us a chance, and we’ve always respected the space—removing tape markings after each session.”

That perseverance has paid off. Today, new pickleball courts are springing up throughout the country, especially in pickleball-strong states like Sarawak, and temporary arrangements are giving way to permanent, purpose-built facilities.

A Vision For National Growth

Farrell Choo Kah Thiam’s vision for the sport is crystal clear: to have 10% of the Malaysian population actively playing pickleball within the next decade.

With around 10,000 registered players today, that target is undeniably ambitious. But the MPA is laying the groundwork with initiatives across youth development, community engagement, and national-level advocacy—including efforts to include pickleball in the Malaysia Games, the country’s premier multi-sport event.

“In the United States, 14% of the population plays pickleball,” Thiam noted. “Our target is to reach 10% of Malaysia’s population, and we believe it’s achievable.”

Sarawak Leads The Way

As Malaysia’s most active pickleball region, Sarawak has emerged as the sport’s unofficial national hub. The state will host the inaugural Malaysia Open in July, a landmark tournament that is expected to draw players from across Southeast Asia and beyond. The event is being seen as a springboard for elevating Malaysia’s international pickleball profile.

Looking Ahead

With rising player numbers, increasing court access, and a national governing body eager to fuel growth, the future of pickleball in Malaysia looks bright. While price concerns remain for some players, Thiam and the MPA believe that competition and scale will eventually drive affordability, allowing even more Malaysians to pick up a paddle and join the fun.

For now, Malaysia stands as one of Asia’s most exciting pickleball frontiers—a nation on the brink of a sporting revolution, with momentum that shows no signs of slowing.