Only three of Sarawak’s 40 sports and community facility projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan had been completed as of September, according to a ministerial update to the State Legislative Assembly on Oct 20.
Another 18 were under construction and 19 remained at various planning stages. The portfolio is broader than 40 new sports venues: it comprises 16 new facilities, 19 upgrades to sports and social facilities, and five non-physical projects. Those categories matter when judging how much new space is actually becoming available to communities.
The youth and sports ministry said its “One District, One Sports Complex” initiative is expected to bring sports-complex coverage to about 89 per cent of districts once the facilities are completed. That is a completion target, not the proportion of districts already served. Regional development agencies, including the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency, are involved in the effort.
Preparations for the 2027 SEA Games involve 11 facility upgrades. The ministry reported that eight were ahead of schedule, with completion work expected in the first two quarters of 2027. Sarawak Stadium, the planned opening-ceremony venue, is expected to be completed by January 2027. For Kuching spectators and regular facility users, these are work-completion targets rather than announcements that the upgraded venues are already open.
