First performances at Sarawak Performing Arts Centre by Q1 2027, says minister

KUCHING (Jan 7): Sarawakians and performing arts enthusiasts can expect the first performances at the former State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building by the first quarter of 2027.

State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project, being developed into a state-of-the-art Sarawak Performing Arts Centre (PAC), remains largely on schedule, despite a slight delay caused by technical issues involving electricity cabling.

“I want it to be, if possible, ready by the end of the year. As long as by next year, the first quarter, we can have performances down there, I’m happy. I would be very, very happy,” he told a press conference here today.

Abdul Karim explained that the delay stemmed from problems related to electricity cabling involving a consortium of contractors undertaking the project.

“It’s on time. We hope to get it ready by the end of the year, but the contractor is a consortium of contractors, because recently there was a little bit of problem on the cabling, the electricity cabling, so it’s slightly delayed,” he said.

He said the centre’s opening is expected to feature orchestras and artists from around the region, aimed at making a strong impact.

“So it will be completed by the first quarter of 2027. And we hope for its opening ceremony to bring in orchestras, good orchestras, artists from around the region. I want to make an impact on it,” he said.

Abdul Karim also revealed that a dedicated management body would be established to oversee the operations of the Performing Arts Centre, separate from Majlis Seni Sarawak.

“And there will be a body set up just to look after the Performing Arts Centre. It will not be specifically under Majlis Seni Sarawak, but there will be a proper structure just to look after, manage the Performing Arts Centre.

“Yang Amat Berhormat Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has agreed to that,” he said.