By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 7: The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, with construction progress largely on track despite a minor delay caused by technical issues involving electrical cabling.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project remains within the planned timeline, noting that earlier challenges related to electricity cabling had affected progress but were now being addressed.
“It is on time. We hope to get it ready by the end of this year. There were some problems with the cabling, so it is slightly delayed, but it will be completed by the first quarter of 2027,” he said after a press conference on The ACG Concert 2026 at Baitulmakmur II today.
He explained that the project is being undertaken by a consortium of contractors, adding that visible progress can already be seen at the construction site.
Abdul Karim said the State government aims for the performing arts centre to be usable for performances by the first quarter of 2027, even if official completion extends towards the end of the year.
He added that the centre is envisioned as a landmark cultural venue capable of hosting orchestras and artists from across the region, with a significant impact on Sarawak’s creative and performing arts scene.
On governance, he said the performing arts centre will not be placed directly under Majlis Seni Sarawak (MSS), but will instead be managed by a dedicated body with a proper management and operational structure, an approach that has received the agreement of the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Our Premier (Abang Johari) has agreed that there will be a proper structure to look after and manage the performing arts centre,” he said.
Once operational, the Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is expected to play a key role in strengthening Sarawak’s position as a regional hub for arts, culture and creative industries. — DayakDaily
