By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Performing Arts Centre (KKPAC) project is set to start soon, providing more opportunities for performing arts and strengthening Sabah’s cultural facilities.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the project, planned for at the Wisma Budaya site in Kota Kinabalu, would provide a modern venue for cultural activities, artistic development and community events.
“The KKPAC will serve as an important hub for performing arts and cultural programmes, providing a dedicated space to nurture local talent, promote Sabah’s rich cultural heritage and support the growth of the creative industry,” he said during a project briefing recently.
The centre will have a performance auditorium, black box theatre, dance studios, a rehearsal hall and other facilities for cultural and artistic activities.
Jafry said the facilities were expected to attract more concerts and performances featuring local talent, while giving young people space to practise, develop their creativity and perform.
He said the centre would also help the Sabah Cultural Board (SCB) expand its activities and earn income from cultural programmes, events and facility rentals.
Meanwhile, plans for a new office building for Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and its statutory bodies are in the final planning stage. The building is expected to take 30 months to complete.
It will house the ministry and its three statutory bodies — Sabah Parks, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and SCB— under one roof to improve efficiency and coordination.
The project is expected to be funded by Sabah Parks and STB. It aims to improve the way the agencies work together and provide a more suitable working environment.
Jafry said SCB currently rents office space at Wisma Perindustrian in Likas, highlighting the need for permanent facilities to support its work.
“These developments are part of our broader efforts to maximise the value of government assets, strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure that our cultural institutions are equipped to meet future needs.
“Our priority is to deliver long-term benefits not only to KePKAS and its agencies, but also to the people of Sabah,” he said.
Jafry said the needs of SCB would remain an important consideration as both projects moved forward.
He said cooperation among KePKAS agencies and other parties would be important to ensure both projects were completed successfully.
Jafry, together with Assistant Minister Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal and members of SCB during a visit to the proposed development site at Wisma Budaya.
