Abdul Karim speaks during a press conference at the DUN media room today. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 19): The Stadium Negeri will be renamed to Stadium Taha Ariffin in honour of the late Datuk Mohamad Taha Ariffin, a distinguished figure who played a significant role in shaping the sports development, particularly football, in Sarawak, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said the Sarawak government had approved the renaming of the stadium as a mark of appreciation and recognition of Mohamad Taha’s immense contribution to sports development in the state.
“This recognition is a fitting tribute to an individual whose service and commitment greatly contributed to the growth and success of football in the state,” he said when winding up his ministerial speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Tuesday.
Abdul Karim said under the leadership of Mohamad Taha, who was Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) founder in 1974, Sarawak achieved significant success in major sporting competitions, including winning the Malaysia FA Cup in 1992, and securing three consecutive Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 1990, 1992 and 1994.
“These accomplishments reflected not only the strength of the team during that period, but also the vision, dedication, and leadership of Allahyarham Datuk Mohamad Taha Ariffin in building a strong sporting culture and identity for Sarawak,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the legacy continues today through the remarkable achievement of Kuching City FC, which recently created history by qualifying for the final of the Malaysia Cup 2025/2026 final for the first time since its establishment.
“In this regard, I would also like to call upon all honourable members of this august House, as well as the people of Sarawak, to extend our fullest support to Kuching City FC as they prepare for the Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil on May 23,” he added.
Later at a press conference, Abdul Karim said the proposed RM7 million allocation for upgrading works at Stadium Negeri would not be sufficient, as more extensive improvements are needed to restore the venue to its former glory.
“It will not be enough. Definitely it will be more than that.
“I would love to see the upgrading being done simultaneously together with the existing facilities.
“But unfortunately, we need a stadium for Kuching City FC to play.
“That is why we do not want to touch it yet. We are preparing for the SEA Games,” he said.
Abdul Karim explained that priority would first be given to upgrading other sports facilities, including Stadium Sarawak, ahead of the SEA Games before renovation works at Stadium Negeri commence after the regional sporting event.
Abdul Karim said Stadium Negeri holds sentimental value among football fans in Sarawak, many of whom still regard it as their preferred venue compared to newer facilities.
“If you ask them to choose which one, they will prefer the Stadium Negeri.
“It has not been renovated for many years, so we will make sure that it will again become the pride of Sarawak and the pride of Kuching,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the Sarawak government intends to give the stadium a facelift, including expanding the grandstand opposite the VIP section to create an additional VIP seating area.
“Once we have identified the areas that need to be improved, I would love to see the grandstand in front of the VIP stand expanded, so that there will be more or less two VIP areas, one side and the other side,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the stadium would continue to be used in the meantime, with major upgrading works expected to be carried out after the SEA Games.