KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry has disclosed that, to date, only Sarawak has expressed genuine interest in co-hosting the 2027 SEA Games.
Its minister, Hannah Yeoh, revealed that discussions have already commenced with Sarawak, exploring the state’s potential as a co-host for the biennial event.
Previously, uncertainties surrounded the prospect of Malaysia hosting the biennial sports event, as the cabinet had tasked the ministry with conducting further research to assess the potential impact.
Furthermore, the Malaysian government has recently turned down an offer from the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
“This matter is still under consideration and study because there are many factors to consider, not only budget-wise, both at the state and federal levels, but also including sports facilities and sponsors. So, we are refining this matter.
“So far, only Sarawak has spoken to us (Sports Ministry), and we will now look at the numbers first,” said Hannah after officiating the Science in Service of Medals exhibition at the University of Malaya here today.
Following the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s announcement two years ago that the 2027 SEA Games would be hosted outside Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak has been the sole contender to openly express interest in hosting the biennial sports event.
Additionally, Sarawak will also host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August next year, featuring 37 sports.
However, Hannah believes that there are many differences to consider for Sarawak to co-host the SEA Games due to its larger scale.
“I think the main reason Sarawak is interested is because they have invested in upgrading sports facilities in the state for the hosting of Sukma (Malaysia Games) 2024.
“However, participation in Sukma and the SEA Games is different; many factors need to be considered. For example, hotels, whether there are sufficient hotels or not. So, we are studying all these factors,” she added.
The last time Malaysia hosted the SEA Games was in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, where the nation clinched the overall champion title. – May 2, 2024