KUCHING – Sarawak is stepping up preparations to co-host the Southeast Asian Games 2027, with both the Federal and State Governments pledging full support to ensure the regional event is staged with high standards and smooth coordination.
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said contractors handling sports facility upgrades have been given at least three months to complete works before the games begin.
This allows time for field testing and pre-tournament events. He spoke during a press conference at the Baitulmakmur Building on Friday.
The estimated hosting cost stands at RM700 million, shared equally between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government.
Abdul Karim said each party will contribute RM350 million to cover organisational expenses, while infrastructure costs will be managed separately by the state.
The official commitment was formalised through a deed of guarantee mandated by the Sarawak Premier, Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg and submitted at the federal level.
Mordi Bimol, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, affirmed continued federal technical and coordination support to ensure close collaboration between both governments.
Chief Executive Officer of the 2027 SEA Games Organising Secretariat, Abdul Rashid Yaakob, said that out of 38 sports to be contested, eight to ten will be selected for initial test sessions in Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Several international tournaments will serve as warm-up events to assess venue readiness, technical systems, digital displays and lighting. Such trial runs are standard practice for major sporting events.
The SEA Games will bring together athletes from across Southeast Asia and are expected to raise Sarawak’s standing as a regional sports hub.
Beyond competition, the event is set to generate tourism activity and economic opportunities. With structured planning and coordination between state and federal agencies, Sarawak aims to deliver a memorable edition of the games.
