Stadium Negeri renamed Stadium Taha Ariffin to honour late Mohamad Taha

Abdul Karim delivering his ministerial winding up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on May 19, 2026. Photo credit: JaPEN Sarawak

By Lian Cheng

KUCHING, May 19: As a mark of appreciation and recognition for late Datuk Mohamad Taha Ariffin’s immense contribution to the sport development in Sarawak, the State Government has approved the renaming of the current Stadium Negeri to Stadium Taha Ariffin.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the recognition is a fitting tribute to an individual whose service and commitment greatly contributed to the growth and success of football in the State.

Mohamad Taha was the founder of the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) in 1974 and a distinguished figure who played a major role in shaping the sports development especially football in Sarawak.

“Under his leadership, Sarawak reached great heights and achieved significant success at various sporting events such as Champion in Malaysia FA Cup in 1992, and three consecutive terms as Champion of SUKMA in 1990, 1992 and 1994.

“These accomplishments reflected not only the strength of the team during that period, but also the vision, dedication, and leadership of Allahyarham Datuk Haji Mohamad Taha bin Ariffin in building a strong sporting culture and identity for Sarawak,” said Abdul Karim when delivering his ministerial winding up speech at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today.

He said Sarawakians today, witness the continuation of Mohamad Taha’s legacy through the remarkable achievement of Kuching City FC, which has created history by qualifying for the Final of the Malaysia Cup 2025/2026 for the first time since its establishment.

Abdul Karim who is also Asajaya assemblyman (GPS-PBB) took the opportunity to call upon all elected representatives of DUS as well as the people of Sarawak, to extend their fullest support to Kuching City FC as they prepare for the Malaysia Cup Final against Johor Darul Ta’zim at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil on the May 23, 2026 which is this coming weekend.

Stadium Taha Ariffin which was approved last year has been allocated RM7.05 million under Projek Rakyat, he added.

The much-anticipated project involves upgrading and renovation works which are expected to start this year following the completion of the Malaysian Super League 2025/2026 (MSL) season. —DayakDaily