KUCHING: Sarawak will be able to host larger international events once a new convention centre is ready in two years' time, says state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the new facility would be built next to the existing Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and has a capacity of 10,000 people.

"This will be good for business events. Presently, we can only accommodate 5,000 delegates.

"With the new venue, we can cater up to 10,000 delegates," he told reporters on Friday (Aug 30).

Abdul Karim said the new convention centre should be completed by 2027, ahead of the International Water Association's World Water Congress and Exhibition hosted by Sarawak in 2028.

"That's why we are rushing to complete the second BCCK. The international water congress in 2028 is expected to be attended by 10,000 delegates," he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim hoped Malaysia Aviation Group's (MAG) temporary flight reduction would be resolved soon.

"Anything affecting flights coming in and out from Sarawak will affect tourism," he said.

He also noted that some flights had been delayed by several hours in the past few weeks, affecting visitors and athletes involved in the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak.

"This is not good, especially for the tourism industry. It's also an inconvenience to the public," he added.

Last Saturday (Aug 24), MAG announced a temporary reduction of flights for Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal until December 2024 to address operational issues that have led to service disruptions and technical incidents involving flights turning back and making emergency stops.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/30/sarawak-to-complete-new-larger-convention-centre-by-2027