By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 2: The Sarawak government is set to elevate the State’s sports infrastructure with 11 new projects under the upgrading of SEA Games facilities, including the Sarawak Stadium and Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, at a total cost of RM252 million.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the ministry is overseeing 38 projects with a total approved ceiling of RM387.73 million.
“These include 14 continuation projects from the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), 13 continuation projects under Projek Rakyat, and 11 new SEA Games facility upgrades,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Sitting today.
The 11 new SEA Games projects include Stadium Perpaduan (Indoor Stadium), Sarawak Shooting Range, Sarawak Squash Centre, Cricket and Rugby Ground, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Archery Range, Lawn Bowl Arena, Sarawak Lawn Tennis Court, Sarawak Petanque Centre, and the Wushu Training Centre.
Abdul Karim added that over the past five years, the ministry has completed 38 projects under the 12MP with a total allocation of RM116.95 million, including three delivered in 2025: the Pakan Sports Complex (RM1 million), Bintangor Sports Complex (RM2.5 million), and Kapit Swimming Pool (RM500,000).
In addition, 13 Projek Rakyat initiatives with a combined allocation of RM88.97 million were completed, including the Bau Sports Arena (RM10 million) and Stadium Terbuka Song (RM5 million) in 2025.
“My Ministry has been persistent in promoting a sustainable, healthy, and inclusive approach to championing Sarawakian communities through the provision of world-standard as well as inclusive sports and social facilities statewide,” he said. — DayakDaily
