The redevelopment of MBKS Swimming Pool into a Water Fun Park and Centre of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is nearing completion with physical progress currently at 78.87 percent.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project is expected to complete and open by the third quarter of this year.
“This dual-purpose landmark will combine recreational leisure with a dedicated culinary hub designed to preserve food heritage and provide local chefs with a world-class platform to showcase their talent,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 19).
For the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre, Abdul Karim said the project is progressing as scheduled with the physical progress at 34.13 percent and targeted completion in the second quarter of 2027.
“This world-class venue aims to attract major global productions and visitors, creating a vibrant ecosystem for both international performers and homegrown talent,” he said.
On support grants to facilitate and accelerate the growth of the tourism industry, arts and heritage, Abdul Karim said his ministry has approved RM22.45 million to support 137 events and programmes from January to April this year.
These include RM21.1 million approved to support 109 events and festivals through the ‘Geran Sokongan Acara dan Pesta’; RM1.35 million under ‘Dana Mudahcara Warisan dan Kesenian Sarawak’ to support 28 programmes related to arts, culture and heritage organised by associations, NGOs, schools, institutes of higher learning and individuals.
“To further strengthen the development of tourism, arts, culture, and heritage, my ministry has approved RM290,000 to support research proposals under the ‘Geran Sokongan Kajian dan Penyelidikan Pelancongan, Warisan dan Kesenian Sarawak’ to identify emerging growth areas and ensure tourism strategies are backed by impactful data driven research,” he added.
