Sarawak Performing Arts Centre completion pushed back to Q2 2027

Abdul Karim (back row, third left) and other dignitaries pose for a group photo with the dancers at the Second East Malaysia and Indonesia ‘Born To Perform’ Dance Competition held at Borneo Cultures Museum on May 3, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 3: Sarawak’s upcoming Performing Arts Centre located in Petra Jaya is progressing well and is now expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2027.

Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the project was initially slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027 but faced minor issues earlier that required resolution, resulting in a slight extension.

“Nevertheless, we are very satisfied with the progress of the Performing Arts Centre. With the facility in place, events like what we are seeing today (Second East Malaysia and Indonesia ‘Born To Perform’ Dance Competition) can be brought there.

“The venue will be much larger, with audience capacity two to three times that of the auditorium at the Borneo Cultures Museum, and it will also offer better acoustics,” he told reporters after attending the dance competition held at the museum today.

At present, he noted that major performances and cultural shows are held across multiple venues, including the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex, Borneo Cultures Museum, and other locations such as the Blessed Centre, amphitheatres, and auditoriums under local councils like Kuching South City Council (MBKS).

On efforts to ensure Kuching remains an active and lively city, Abdul Karim stressed that local authorities have a responsibility to continuously organise activities that energise the urban environment.

“A boring city, without entertainment or attractions at night, will not draw visitors. We need events, whether entertainment, sports, food festivals, to bring people in,” he added.

He pointed out that such activities not only enhance the city’s appeal but also stimulate the local economy, as visitors spend on accommodation, food, and other services.

Abdul Karim also said that ongoing efforts to beautify Kuching, including improved lighting and new attractions such as the Brooke Dockyard Industrial Heritage Museum, are part of a broader plan to enhance the city’s vibrancy both during the day and at night. — DayakDaily