The Sarawak government is upgrading the 29 year old Stadium Sarawak with funds totalling RM7.05 million.
This development was confirmed by Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Gerald Rentap Jabu during a recent state assembly sitting.
With the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) taking the lead as the implementing agency, the project aims to thoroughly modernize the arena, ensuring it isn’t just a place of nostalgia, but a state-of-the-art facility fit for the future which could turn it into a premier international sports hub.
The changes: State-of-the-Art Upgrades and Digital Facelifts
The scope of this multi-million Ringgit facelift is comprehensive with the upgrades focus heavily on spectator experience and safety, meeting the stringent, modern standards set by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Key modernizations include installing a Next-Generation Running Track which means a complete overhaul and resurfacing of the athletic track using world-class, high-durability materials certified for international standard track-and-field meets.
In addition to that, the lighting will also be improved with installations of energy-efficient LED floodlights which will ensure crystal-clear night matches and seamless, broadcast-ready illumination.
The stadium will also come fitted with a new cutting-edge digital scoreboard with word saying it will be LED.
Massive renovation works will also include structural repairs to the stands to ensure comfort and safety.
The renovation will also see much-needed repairs and upgrades to the changing rooms, public toilets, the surau, and ticket counters with some seats replaced with folding chairs, while the seating terrace will be improved.
The facade of the main entrance as well as the stadium’s overall façade will also be rebuilt with a more grandiose concept, along with upgrades to the waiting rooms, VIP rooms, and other supporting facilities.
Also being replaced is the stadium roof with the roof truss also scheduled to be repainted.
The football pitch is not part of the upgrade with upgrading plans for the pitch set after the SEA Games.
It is understood that the heavy staging during the opening ceremony could damage the playing surface and therefore a decision was made to upgrade the pitch after the games with sub-surface and underground systems.
It is noted that the capacity of the stadium will be reduced by 4,000, declining from being the current 40,000 seater stadium to a 36,000 seater stadium once the new upgrades are completed.
Upgraded for SEA Games, football and concerts
It is no secret that the upgrades are done to enable Sarawak to host the opening ceremony of the SEA Games in 2027.
However, it is much speculated that the Sarawak Stadium, located just beside Stadium Taha Ariffin (Stadium Negeri Sarawak) will be the new home of Kuching City FC, the biggest football club in Sarawak.
The club had just recently finished second in the Piala Malaysia and Liga Super, and confirmed their participation in two regional competitions next season, namely the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) and the Asean Club Championship (ACC).
Both competitions require Kuching City FC to improve Stadium Taha Ariffin significantly and there has been no concrete plans to do so far. This has further sparked speculations that a move to Stadium Sarawak is on the horizon, especially since much of the improvements to Stadium Sarawak involve football facilities.
Moreover, the owner of the club, Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman, did also recently inquire about Stadium Sarawak’s renovation plans, hence further fueling speculation that the club might just move to the newly renovated Sarawak Stadium when renovation works are completed.
In addition to football and staging sporting events, the improved facilities which include ticketing counters, seating, toilets and waiting rooms also would make the stadium a better option for huge events such as concerts.
The Historic Legacy of Stadium Sarawak
Completed in April 1997 at a cost of RM120 million, Stadium Sarawak was originally built to host the prestigious 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.
This iconic 40,000-capacity arena quickly became the crown jewel of the Petra Jaya sports complex and had hosted the famous “South American derby” between Brazil and Argentina.
Beyond international football, it had previously been the proud home ground for the Sarawak FA football team, hosted international artist like Rain, Youngjae, Judika, Jessi, natalie La Rose, and the battleground for major national events like SUKMA.
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