KOTA KINABALU  The proposed Performing Arts Centre will be built under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint (2008-2025).

Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment, Datuk Suzannah Liaw said the Federal Government has allocated about RM20 million for a start under the Arts and Culture Development Fund.

"Actually, we have identified a piece of land for the centre but there is some hitch because an area of 10 acres is a bit short in supply within Kota Kinabalu. If we can resolve this problem speedily, then we can start work next year.

"But it will be Phase One first which is the centre itself. We will start small and build it up from there because the performing arts arena in Sabah is still in the infant stage. The project is likely to spill over into the Tenth Malaysia Plan because the Sabah Development Corridor will start only next year as this year is the planning stage," she said after presenting a paper on "Business Opportunities in the Tourism Industry". The luncheon talk was organised by the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Association (Swepa) led by Dolly Jimayol.

Liaw was responding to the President of Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu Sabah (SPArKS), Datuk Adeline Leong, who lamented that this form of art was blatantly lacking in Sabah.

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