KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian SEA Games Organising Committee (Masoc) has welcomed the government’s RM580 million allocation for sports under Budget 2026, describing it as a timely boost to accelerate preparations for the 2027 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, which will be hosted by Malaysia.
Earlier today, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM580 million plan for sports development, a massive increase from the previous RM230 million.
The funds will mainly go towards ongoing programmes such as the Road to Gold (RTG), as well as for the preparations of the 2027 SEA Games and Asean Para Games.
Masoc chief executive officer Abdul Rashid Yaakub said the allocation was sufficient to kick-start planning and operational work for both Games, particularly in strengthening the organising secretariat and coordination among agencies.
“We thank the government for the approved allocation, which will certainly help drive preparations for the 2027 SEA Games and Asean Para Games. The funding set aside for the start of 2026 is adequate to begin the groundwork,” Rashid told Scoop.
He added that states which have agreed to co-host certain sports, like Penang, Sarawak, and Johor, will receive their respective allocations from their state governments, to be announced later by each state.
“So far, everything is progressing smoothly,” he said.
Rashid noted that current efforts are focused on reinforcing the secretariat in terms of manpower, administration, and budgeting, as well as ensuring close alignment between the Olympic Council (OCM) and the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM), as well as the participating state hosts.
Engagements are also ongoing with the national sports associations (NSAs) and their para counterparts to ensure early coordination across all competition venues and technical areas.
“Collaboration and engagement with able-bodied and para sports bodies are progressing well,” he said.
Masoc is also preparing for the official handover ceremony from Thailand to Malaysia, which will take place at the closing ceremony of the upcoming SEA Games and Asean Para Games in Bangkok later this year.
“We are now working towards Malaysia’s formal acceptance as host during the handover from Thailand,” Rashid said.
The 2027 SEA and Asean Para Games will mark Malaysia’s first time hosting the regional multi-sport events in a decade, with the last edition held in Kuala Lumpur in 2017. — October 11, 2025