By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Apr 28: Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said he is satisfied with the progress of the Sarawak Stadium upgrading project, which is set to serve as the opening venue for the 2027 SEA Games.
He said the renovation and upgrading project is currently 50 to 60 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by Sept 18, 2027, in time for the event’s opening ceremony.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq said he has received assurances from the Sarawak government on its commitment, including the handover of the Sarawak Stadium project to the State in January, with the facility expected to be ready for use by May or June 2027, ahead of the opening ceremony.
“The project has brought in additional workers to ensure timely completion, reflecting the Sarawak government’s commitment to hosting the opening ceremony and 17 of the 38 sports events,” he said during a press conference following a site visit and a briefing by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), as well as a visit to the Sarawak Stadium and the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here today.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq reiterated that the Sarawak government has committed RM350 million to organise this SEA Games event, in addition to the RM280 million Sarawak Stadium renovation and upgrading project.
“That is a total of RM630 million for the upgrading facilities of the opening venue for the SEA Games 2027. Our ministry will closely monitor the project’s development to ensure that no incidents occur that could interfere with the SEA Games 2027.
“I am sure the Sarawak government has done its best to ensure that the SEA Games in 2027 is the best initiative. That is what we are aiming for,” he elaborated.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq added that there will be a carnival atmosphere during the SEA Games 2027 in Kuching, with Celebration Square near the Sarawak Stadium set to be transformed into a food and merchandise hub for visitors.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, disclosed the construction of a new media centre at Bangunan Baitulmakmur to support coverage of the 2027 SEA Games.
He added that in addition to the media centres at the sporting venues, it will also act as the main hub for local and foreign media representatives.
Also present at the site visits were the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mordi Bimol; the Deputy Sarawak Secretary, Datu Hii Chang Kee; and the Sarawak JKR director, Datu Dr Cassidy Morris. — DayakDaily
