KUCHING: Sarawak plans to acquire around 10 hectares of private land to expand its shooting range for skeet and trap events as part of preparations for the 2027 SEA Games.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the expansion is necessary to meet SEA Games standards, as the existing static shooting range cannot accommodate clay pigeon events.
“We already have a static shooting range, but this additional land is needed for skeet and trap shooting.
“That is why we need to acquire approximately 10 hectares of private land next to the existing range,” he told a press conference after receiving a courtesy visit from Federal Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Mordi Bimol, at Baitulmakmur Building II today (Feb 13).
The proposal on the land acquisition will be presented to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg next week.
Abdul Karim added that the move is part of broader efforts to ensure all SEA Games venues are fully upgraded and ready well ahead of the Games.
Ongoing venue upgrades for the Games are not expected to disrupt international competitions in Kuching, as works will focus largely on seating, lighting, and supporting facilities rather than playing surfaces.
“Not all facilities will be affected. For example, tennis courts will remain playable even as galleries, VIP rooms, canteens and floodlights are being upgraded. The courts themselves are already in good condition,” he explained.
He also highlighted other planned upgrades, including retractable seating for wushu and enhanced floodlighting for cricket, which may run late into the evening at the Games.
Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) 2027 Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub, who was at the press conference, said selected test events would be held to assess facilities and operations.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Stampin Member of Parliament, Chong Chieng Jen.
