By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 15: Sarawak is set to host the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) with 57 member nations of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
In a TVS news report, Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak secured the hosting rights during a recent meeting in Taif, Saudi Arabia.
He said the estimated cost of hosting the Games had yet to be finalised but was expected to be higher than the SEA Games, which involve only 11 countries.
“Regarding the hosting cost, a detailed estimate has yet to be determined. However, the Games are expected to cost more than the SEA Games.
“The number of sporting events may be more or less the same, but participation will involve 57 countries. So, the cost will certainly increase, perhaps by an additional RM50 million or RM100 million,” he said when met by the media after a ceremony to hand over a mobile stage truck from the Sarawak branch of the Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) to the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) here today.
Abdul Karim explained that the Games are expected to be centred mainly in Kuching, while a proposal to expand competition venues to Serian is still under consideration, particularly regarding logistics and sports facilities.
He said hosting the Games would serve as an important platform for Sarawak to strengthen its sports tourism sector.
“When we host an event like this, it is not only the athletes who come, but also coaches, officials, crew members, family members, and supporters.
“This will certainly have a spillover effect on the tourism sector and local economy,” he said.
He added that ongoing upgrading works at sports complexes, being carried out in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games, would also give Sarawak an advantage in providing facilities for the 2029 OIC Solidarity Games. — DayakDaily
