A fast-paced hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, the sport has exploded in popularity nationwide, attracting players of all ages with its accessible rules and dynamic gameplay.

Played with paddles on a court measuring 6.1m wide and 13.4m long, pickleball is being embraced both for recreation and competitive play.

Nevertheless, as more pickleball courts are introduced, often replacing or modifying existing tennis and badminton facilities, the sport is drawing criticism from purists of traditional racquet games.

Complaints have emerged over changes to shared courts, with some players voicing concerns over the visual disruption and the potential wear-and-tear to the premises.

Despite the backlash, the momentum shows no signs of slowing.

“We encountered resistance early on, with some operators rejecting our requests to use their courts due to fears the ball would damage the surface,” said Malaysian Pickleball Association (MPA) president Farrel Choo, who introduced the sport to Miri, Sarawak.

“But we were fortunate that others allowed us to play, and we’ve always made sure to remove the tape markings after each session.”

A further sticking point has been the high cost of renting courts for pickleball, with some venues charging up to RM70 an hour, although Choo explains that prices are determined by market forces and are largely outside the MPA’s control.

“When we started in Miri, court rentals were as low as RM27 to RM30 per hour,” he noted. “But as demand increases, prices rise, and the operators are responsible for setting these rates.”

Still, he believes that as more dedicated pickleball facilities are built, the cost will eventually go down.

While some remain sceptical about the long-term appeal of the sport, Choo remains confident it is not just a passing fad.

He points to its local growth – from 2,000 active players in March last year to over 10,000 in November – as evidence of its growing popularity and potential staying power.

“In the United States, 14% of the population plays pickleball. Our target is to reach 10% of Malaysia’s population within the next decade,” he added.

Looking ahead, the MPA is exploring new avenues for expansion, including lobbying for the inclusion of pickleball in future editions of the Malaysia Games (Sukma).

The association is also preparing to host the inaugural pickleball Malaysia Open in Sarawak in July, which is expected to attract local and international players.