Stadium Sarawak upgrades hinge on available budget ― Minister
KUCHING (May 27): The redevelopment of Stadium Sarawak remains a key focus in Sarawak's push to become a regional sports hub, though the final scope of upgrades will depend heavily on available funding, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said while the stadium is an essential venue for athletics and opening ceremonies of various sport events, financial considerations will ultimately determine the extent of its redevelopment.
'We will have to see. Cost is always one of the main factors ― whether we want to proceed with the development, and at what stage,' he told a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here earlier today.
Abdul Karim noted that aside from Stadium Sarawak, there are 18 other sports to be hosted, each requiring facility upgrades.
'If the budget does not allow for full upgrades, we may have to determine which improvements are sufficient for the stadium to accommodate the sport events and the opening ceremony,' he said.
Earlier, during his speech, Abdul Karim reaffirmed the state government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure across Sarawak in its efforts to make the state a regional sports hub.
'Led by the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), key initiatives include upgrading grassroots and elite sports facilities to improve access, talent development and quality of life.
'A highlight is the redevelopment of Stadium Sarawak, which is set to meet international standards with smart and athlete-friendly features,' he said.
He added that SSC will also implement a Critical Maintenance Audit Plan to ensure long-term sustainability of sport facilities.
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