KUCHING: The works to upgrade the Kuching Civic Centre and Sarawak Stadium is currently progressing smoothly and according to the set schedule.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project showed positive progress despite public perception of delays.

According to him, the unique structure of the Kuching Civic Centre requires a special technical approach, including in the roof repair work which involves high costs.

“As a building with a different structure from ordinary buildings, repair work including the roof requires high costs and a more thorough process,” he said at the Borneo100 Triathlon 2026 press conference here on Thursday.

He explained that the current progress of the project is satisfactory and should not be labelled as slow.

“I see the progress achieved is good, and some parties have even informed us that this project is ahead of schedule,” he said.

He added that the project had previously faced funding constraints, but was now being expedited to ensure the safety and restoration of the building's function as one of the landmarks in Kuching.

In a related development, the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development shared that the upgrading work of the Sarawak Stadium, serving as the venue for the opening of the 2027 SEA Games, was also showing encouraging progress.

"The work is progressing well and according to the set schedule, and is being carried out continuously, including at night," he explained.

According to him, the stadium upgrade involves comprehensive changes including the installation of new seats and improvements to the internal structure to meet the standards of modern sports facilities.

In this regard, he expressed confidence that both projects will be completed as planned and is poised to improve the state's sports and tourism infrastructure. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Lonney Jinab & Sarah Nicole Hii
Translator: Nerissa Sia