By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 20: Nineteen of Sarawak’s 40 sports and community facility projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) are still at various planning stages, raising questions over the pace of implementation as the State pushes to expand access to sports complexes across its districts.
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said 19 projects, representing 47.5 per cent of the total, were at various planning stages as of September 2026.
“Another 18 projects (45 per cent) were under construction while three projects, accounting for 7.5 per cent, had been completed.
“The 40 projects comprise 16 new sports facilities, 19 upgrading projects involving sports and social facilities, and five non-physical projects,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speeh at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
Of the total, 18 projects are to be implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR), 12 by the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), seven by local authorities, and the remaining three non-physical projects by the ministry.
Under the State’s “One District, One Sports Complex” initiative, MYSED is working with strategic partners, including regional development agencies to develop sports complexes across Sarawak, according to Abdul Karim.
Upon completion, approximately 89 per cent of districts in the State are expected to have at least one sports complex.
The regional development agencies involved include the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
Meanwhile, all 11 sports facility upgrading projects for the Southeast Asian Games 2027 (SEA Games 2027) were progressing well, with eight ahead of schedule and expected to be completed in the first and second quarters of 2027.
Sarawak Stadium, which will host the Games’ opening ceremony is expected to be completed by January 2027.
“My ministry is also reviewing management models for sports and community facilities, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), to improve facility utilisation and operational efficiency while reducing the Government’s long-term financial burden,” he added. —DayakDaily
