Stadium Sarawak RM184.3 mln upgrade excludes football pitch, says minister

KUCHING (Feb 12): The RM184.32 million upgrading and repair project for Stadium Sarawak in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games does not include improvements to the football pitch, said State Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He explained that the pitch will only be upgraded after the Games due to heavy use of the stadium, particularly during the opening ceremony.

“The football pitch is not within the scope of this upgrading. With all the performances that will take place there, it will damage the pitch.

“That is why we want to upgrade the pitch after the SEA Games,” he told reporters after witnessing the handing over of documents and site to the contractor for the upgrading and repair works at the stadium here.

The project has been awarded to Hartanah Construction Sdn Bhd, with Jurutera Perunding Kenyalang Sdn Bhd appointed as lead consultant.

Among the key components of the project are the replacement of the roof and the installation of a new roof truss system, which Abdul Karim said would significantly transform the stadium’s external appearance.

“If we look at it now, the stadium only has roofing, but with the new roof truss, the pattern of the stadium will totally change from the outside,” he said.

All seating will be replaced with foldable seats, while structural repair works, seating terrace improvements, façade upgrading, and interior enhancements will also be carried out.

The main entrance will be redesigned to provide a grand motorcade entry for dignitaries, including the Head of State (TYT) and the Sarawak Premier, instead of the current access beneath the structure.

Interior areas such as holding rooms and VIP facilities will also be upgraded to meet current needs and international standards.

Stadium Sarawak has been selected as the venue for the SEA Games opening ceremony in September 2027 — a historic first for the state, as the ceremony is traditionally held in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present during the event were Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Dato Hii Chang Kee, Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris, State Ministry for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Mysed) permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron and other officials.