By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 13: The Sarawak government plans to acquire about 10 hectares of private land to expand the State’s shooting range in preparation for the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the expansion is needed to accommodate skeet and trap events, in addition to the existing static range at the Sarawak Sports Complex, Petra Jaya.
“We already have a facility for static shooting, but we do not have proper facilities for skeet and trap.
“That is why we need to acquire approximately 10 hectares of private land next to the existing range,” he told reporters during a press conference following a courtesy call by Malaysian Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol at Baitul Makmur 2 today.
Abdul Karim added that he plans to brief the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, next week on the land acquisition and other ongoing upgrades.
When asked whether the upgrading works would disrupt international tournaments scheduled in Kuching this year, Abdul Karim assured that major competition courts and fields will remain usable.
“Not all facilities are affected. Take tennis for example, upgrading works are mostly on galleries, seating, VIP rooms, holding areas, canteens and floodlights. The courts themselves are already in very good condition,” he said.
He added that any courts or venues under refurbishment will only host events once fully ready.
Abdul Karim also highlighted that the wushu hall’s public gallery is currently very small, and that retractable seating will be installed to convert it into a proper stadium capable of hosting international competitions.
For cricket, which can involve matches running from morning until night, the minister said high-mast lighting will be added to ensure games can be conducted safely and smoothly.
He emphasised that all sports facilities in Sarawak being upgraded for the SEA Games are expected to be completed at least three months before the event, giving athletes sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the venues.
Meanwhile, Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) 2027 Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub confirmed that pre-Games test events will be held in selected sports to assess venues and operations.
“From the 38 sports under the SEA Games, we will select about eight to 10 for these preparatory events, held across Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. This is normal practice for any major games,” he said.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. – DayakDaily
