PETALING JAYA: Sarawak has conveyed to the federal government its interest in either hosting or co-hosting the 34th SEA Games, scheduled to be held in Malaysia in 2027, says a state minister.
Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was confident in his state’s ability to host the regional sporting event.
“Sarawak has indicated to the youth and sports ministry its interest. (We have) all the facilities for hosting an event of this magnitude,” he told FMT.
Last Monday, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said it will submit a resolution for the government to continue with plans to hold the multi-sport event in three years’ time.
SPONSORED CONTENT Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah. CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030. Read more OCM president Norza Zakaria said the resolution, endorsed by several major sports stakeholders, was drawn up following concerns that Putrajaya may decline to act as host after having turned down an offer to stage the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Malaysia was awarded hosting rights for the 2027 SEA Games two years ago after Brunei withdrew.
In October last year, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the federal youth and sports ministry told the state government to be alert to the possibility of playing host to the SEA Games.
Meanwhile, Sarawak is set to host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) from Aug 17 to 24 this year at a cost of nearly RM300 million, with athletes from across the nation competing in 488 events in 37 different sports.
The state, which is hosting the biennial games for the third time, plans to distribute the events among all its nine districts.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
