KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 - The government has allocated RM80 million to upgrade Istana Budaya facilities, said Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry secretary-general Shaharuddin Abu Sohot.
The funds reflect its 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 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 today.
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 (the) Cats musical, will return to Malaysia to stage large-scale performances,” he said.