KUCHING: Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu hopes to see Sarawak organising large-scale concerts at its State Stadium here.
The Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development said the stadium must not only be able to cater for sports events but also for concerts as well.
“As we are preparing for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) next year, we are currently looking at the necessary facilities that need to be refurbished and upgraded.
“But not only for SUKMA; in the future we also want to see the Sarawak Stadium having the capability of holding large concerts,” he said.
Rentap said this to reporters during a press conference after officiating at the opening ceremony of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Junior Team Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying U14 Boys Team Event at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) Centre here today.
With the State Stadium presently having a seating capacity of 40,000 spectators, Rentap said Sarawak will be able to attract more visitors once the state can hold concerts at the stadium.
“However, we need the support of everybody for this to be realised, only then we can have a big show in Sarawak.
“That being said, we not only want to improve our sports facilities but also the tourism aspects that come with it,” he added.
Rentap said that good sports facilities coupled with the attractions Sarawak has to offer can have a spill-over effect on the tourism sector.
“For instance, whenever there are international sports events in Sarawak, there will be a multiplier effect where not only tourist arrivals increase, but hotels will also be fully booked and the local food and beverages sectors will also benefit,” said Rentap.
Also present were SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew.
