KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM80mil has been allocated to upgrade Istana Budaya facilities, says the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac).
Its secretary-general Shaharuddin Abu Sohot 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 yesterday.
Meanwhile, Istana Budaya’s deputy director-general (operations), Johan Cruyff @ Mohd Johari Md Nordin, said the allocation includes upgrading works for the overstage at Panggung Sari.
Construction of Istana Budaya began in 1995 and was completed in late 1998 at a cost RM210mil.
