KUCHING: Upgrading works for facilities earmarked for the 2027 SEA Games are already underway, with contracts expected to be awarded this month.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said discussions on the commencement of upgrading works had already taken place, with the tendering process — including selective tenders and direct negotiations currently being finalised.
“This month, the letters of award will be issued to the contractors after they have gone through the tendering process, selective tenders or direct negotiations,” he told reporters after officiating at the closing of the State-level 52nd Sarawak Age Group Swimming (SAG) Championship at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here last night (Jan 4).
Among the venues slated for upgrading are the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Stadium, Sarawak Shooting Range, Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak Wushu Training Centre and Sarawak Squash Centre — all of which are expected to be utilised during the Games.
With less than two years remaining, Abdul Karim acknowledged that the upgrading works could have some impact on preparations for other major events, including Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and athlete development programmes.
“Definitely, our preparations for SUKMA and our own athletes will be slightly affected. However, we will look at ways to reduce the impact as much as possible,” he said.
He stressed that wherever possible, facilities would remain operational during the upgrading period. At the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, for example, works such as improvements to timing systems and selected areas would be carried out without closing the pool entirely.
“We will want the pool usable for training and even competitions. Barricades can be set up in areas that are undergoing upgrading,” he added.
A similar approach will be taken at other venues, including the squash centre and shooting range, where only specific components will be upgraded to allow continued use.
“For the shooting range, the fixed targets are still in good condition. What needs upgrading are the skeet and trap facilities, which are currently not available. We will need to acquire some nearby land for that,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that discussions would be held with sports associations and facility managers to ensure that training programmes and scheduled tournaments are not disrupted.
Present with Abdul Karim were Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) president Tan Kun Gee, tournament organising chairman Voon Yong Hui, Sarawak Education Department assistant director Liew Guo Chen and Mohamad Adib Zulhusini, a youth and sports officer representing the acting chief executive officer of the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC).
