By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 4: The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) will take steps to minimise disruption to athletes’ training programmes as sports facilities within the Sarawak Sports Complex undergo upgrades ahead of the 2027 SEA Games.
Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the works would be carefully managed to ensure training and competitions can continue as much as possible while upgrading is carried out.
“We will see how we can reduce this disruption. For example, if upgrading works at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre involve only the timing board and supporting systems, we want the pool to remain usable for training and even competitions,” he said when met after the closing ceremony of the 52nd Sarawak Age Group Swimming Championships at the aquatic centre here today.
He said barricades could be installed in specific areas undergoing improvement so that facilities remain operational where possible, adding that a similar approach would be applied to other venues.
“For squash and shooting, the facilities will not be fully closed. Training and competitions must continue while upgrades are being carried out,” he added.
On preparations for the 2027 SEA Games, Abdul Karim said several key sports facilities have been identified for upgrading, including the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Stadium, shooting range, cricket ground, indoor stadium, wushu stadium and squash centre.
He said the tender process is currently ongoing, with letters of award expected to be issued to appointed contractors this month.
“We have less than two years to complete the works. These facilities must be ready by at least June 2027 because the SEA Games will be held in September that year,” he noted.
Touching on upgrades at the shooting range, Abdul Karim said the fixed target facilities are already in place and in good condition, while improvements would focus on the skeet and trap components, which are currently not available.
“We will discuss this with the relevant sports associations and governing bodies to ensure that our training programmes and tournaments are not disrupted,” he said.
On accommodation readiness for the SEA Games, Abdul Karim said Sarawak is well-prepared, noting that hotel capacity and rental units in and around Kuching are sufficient to accommodate athletes, officials and supporters.
“For SEA Games, accommodation must be of hotel standard. We have made our calculations and we have enough capacity,” he pointed out.
When asked about improvements to media facilities for the Games, he expressed confidence.
“God willing, the media centre here will be better than what I have seen. I don’t want to look down on the last host, but I believe that we can provide even better facilities, including for the official opening, which will be held at the Sarawak Stadium,” he said.
Also present were Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) president Tan Kun Gee and advisor Voon Yong Hui. – DayakDaily
