KUALA LUMPUR – The National Sports Council (MSN) will absorb all additional costs, estimated to exceed RM500,000, arising from the sudden relocation of Malaysia’s contingent for the 33rd SEA Games from flood-hit Songkhla to Bangkok and Chonburi.
The approval was granted during Monday’s NSC Management Board Meeting, chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, following urgent updates on the situation in southern Thailand.
In a statement today, the council said the decision was necessary to ensure that athletes remain fully focused on their competitions without being weighed down by unforeseen logistical burdens.
“NSC is committed to ensuring that no athlete, whether from Category A or Category B, is affected mentally or physically by circumstances beyond their control. This support is crucial to maintaining their readiness and confidence heading into the Games,” the statement read
NSC added that the financial commitment reflects the Government’s concern over the welfare of the 206 athletes and officials who were forced to move just days before the regional multi-sport event kicks off.
“We hope this assistance will not only ease their immediate concerns but also motivate them to give their best and bring home medals for Malaysia,” NSC said.
Athletes originally based in Songkhla were scheduled to compete in muay, pencak silat, men’s football, chess, judo, kabaddi, karate, pétanque, wushu and wrestling. With the new arrangements, nine of these sports will be contested in Bangkok, while wrestling events will proceed in Chonburi.
The relocation process is currently underway, with NSC coordinating all transportation, accommodation and logistical needs to minimise disruptions to the athletes’ final preparations. – December 2, 2025