Sarawak Performing Arts Centre currently 46% completed
KUCHING, 2 October 2026: Original elements of the 53-year-old old Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building will be retained throughout its transformation into the new Sarawak Performing Arts Centre, preserving the building’s historical value and identity while adapting the existing design to modern needs.
This was announced today by Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during a working visit to the renovation site. “These iconic elements include the wooden panelling and golden mosaic glass tile roof. When it is completed, you will see something very magnificent that we are all proud of.”
The original roof which uses golden mosaic glass tiles is also being maintained despite the higher cost to ensure that the aesthetic value and character of the building is maintained. Apart from physical preservation, a small gallery as well as a coffee table book documenting the building’s history, developments and memories were also proposed. Meanwhile, the nearby restaurant and fountain area will also be upgraded. The Old Lapau will be turned into a restaurant while the surrounding area will be developed into a public park for leisure and family recreation activities.
The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed by June 2027, opening up the opportunity for the historic complex to become a cultural performance stage for visitors and ASEAN Heads of State in conjunction with the 2027 SEA Games.
“The project is currently 46% complete and is 1.6% ahead of schedule. Once it’s completed, we can hold cultural performances during SEA Games, showcasing Sarawak’s culture and heritage to people across the ASEAN region,” added Abdul Karim.
Also present at the site visit today were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Morshidi Fredrick.
