MAJOR upgrades are underway at civic centre facilities and sports infrastructure across Sarawak, with the projects aimed at improving safety, accessibility and overall visitor experience.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the ongoing upgrading of the Kuching Civic Centre, costing RM5 million for re-roofing of the main tower, is scheduled to complete in the first quarter of next year.
“Beyond the re-roofing works, additional upgrading initiatives will be carried out in preparation for hosting Esports events for the SEA Games 2027, as well as to develop the facility into a Youth Hub,” he said.
He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abdul Karim said the upcoming upgrading of the four other civic centre facilities, focuses on safe and conducive conditions for public use.
“The Sibu Civic Centre will be receiving major architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades amounting to RM16.2 million, scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2027.
“As for Samarahan, Kapit, and Limbang Civic Centre, they are slated for major re-roofing works, each costing RM5 million,” he said.
He added that RM7.05 million has been approved to upgrade the State Stadium as the home ground of Kuching City FC, covering repairs to seating, facilities and infrastructure, plus new ticketing entrances, an outdoor LED screen and upgraded LED lighting.
“Apart from that, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS) has also provided a sum of RM500,000 to Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to upgrade the football field of the State Stadium, Petra Jaya,” he said.
Abdul Karim said KBS has also approved RM1.26 million to upgrade small- scale sports facilities in the state namely the upgrading of the MAKSAK Sarikei Tennis Court, Bintulu Development Authority Synthetic Field, Futsal Court at Lundu Sports Complex, Roofed Futsal Court at RGC Layar Betong and building a new football field at Kampung Long Bedian, Telang Usan, Miri.
“In addition, new Pickleball and Volleyball courts at the Miri Sports Centre are funded at RM500,000 each by KBS,” he said.
