KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is committed to ensuring that the work to upgrade and renovate sports facilities in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games is completed according to the set schedule despite facing a short implementation period.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that all parties including contractors and implementing agencies must give full commitment to ensure that the project can be completed within the set period.

He stressed that the contractors face a very challenging allocated implementation period, but he expressed confidence in them to be able to carry out the responsibility.

“We are aware that the period given is quite short, about nine to 12 months, but I believe that the contractor that has been identified is able to complete it. If it is necessary to work at night to catch up with the schedule, then it must be done.

“This is a very important event. It not only involves the image of Sarawak, but also the image of Malaysia as a whole,” he said.

He said this when speaking in conjunction with a visit and briefing on the sports facility upgrade project in preparation for the games in Kuching on Thursday.

According to him, organising the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak is a major responsibility, as it marks the first time the prestigious games are held outside Kuala Lumpur.

In this regard, he said, the state government has given its full commitment including providing guarantees to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

“We have made a commitment to the state government and I myself have signed the guarantee that has been sent to the state cabinet. This shows how serious we are in organising this sporting event,” he said.

He added that all upgrading works must be carried out according to the specifications that have been set so that the facilities meet international competition standards.

Among the facilities involved are the Sarawak Stadium, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Borneo Cricket Ground Sarawak, Petra Jaya Squash Centre, archery range, shooting range, petanque facilities in Santubong, Sarawak Lawn Bowl Arena, Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association court, Wushu Training Centre and Perpaduan Stadium, Petra Jaya for gymnastics events.

In total, 11 projects have been approved with a total allocation of RM184,321,805 million and are being implemented by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) together with the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC).

The project is scheduled to start in the first and second quarters of 2026 and is expected to be fully completed by the first and second quarters of 2027.

The implementation of the project is not only to ensure the readiness of the official venue for the 2027 SEA Games, but also to be a long-term strategic investment in strengthening development of state sports as well as providing world-class training facilities for Sarawakian and Malaysian athletes. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Lonney Jinab Doris
Photo: George S. Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia