Stadium Negeri will be renamed Stadium Taha Ariffin in honour of the late Datuk Mohamad Taha Ariffin for his contribution to football development in Sarawak.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the late Mohamad Taha played a major role in shaping Sarawak football after founding the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) in 1974.
“This recognition is a fitting tribute to an individual whose service and commitment greatly contributed to the growth and success of football in the state,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 19).
Under Mohamad Taha’s leadership, Sarawak won the Malaysia FA Cup in 1992 and secured three consecutive SUKMA football titles in 1990, 1992 and 1994.
Abdul Karim said the achievements reflected the late sports figure’s vision and leadership in building Sarawak’s football identity.
“These accomplishments reflected not only the strength of the team during that period, but also the vision, dedication and leadership of Allahyarham Datuk Haji Mohamad Taha Ariffin,” he said.
Located in Petra Jaya, Stadium Negeri officially opened in 1983 and has since become one of Sarawak’s main venues for football and major sporting events.
The stadium previously hosted Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in 1990 and numerous Malaysia Cup matches involving the Sarawak football team over the years.
Abdul Karim noted that Stadium Taha Ariffin had been allocated RM7.05 million under Projek Rakyat for upgrading and renovation works approved last year.
He said the upgrading works are expected to begin this year after the conclusion of the Malaysia Super League 2025/2026 season.
