KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM80mil to upgrade Istana Budaya facilities, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Shaharuddin Abu Sohot.
He said the allocation reflects the government's commitment to elevating the institution's quality to be on par with internationally renowned theatres.
"The ministry wants programmes organised at Istana Budaya to not only meet international standards but also generate strong returns for organisers," he said when met after the launch of the Istana Budaya 2026 programme and handover ceremony of the MTC Pavilion sculpture "Timber Flow: The Folded Crest" at Istana Budaya here Monday (Aug 10).
Meanwhile, Istana Budaya deputy director-general (operations) Johan Cruyff @ Mohd Johari Md Nordin said the allocation includes upgrading works for the overstage at Panggung Sari.
"We hope that outstanding productions previously staged at Istana Budaya, such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music and Cats (musical), will return to Malaysia to stage large-scale performances," he said. - Bernama
