By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 31: Negotiations are ongoing as Sarawak has expressed interest in co-hosting the 2027 SEA Games with Putrajaya, recognising the potential economic benefits this biennial sporting event could bring to the local economy.
While acknowledging the significant costs of hosting a major sports event, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, however, emphasised the economic advantages of various spin-offs that would benefit multiple sectors and industries.
“Somebody will gain such as in the upgrading of sports facilities. It will boost Sarawak in a multitude of ways, especially the local economy, by creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in various industries.
“We are looking to host the next SEA Games, which is typically held in Kuala Lumpur (KL). We are already negotiating as I have engaged with the stakeholders in several online meetings,” he told a press conference at Megalanes Sarawak in Batu Kawa here today.
Abdul Karim added that he is heading down to KL on June 6 to further discuss this with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS), including finalising with the federal government which events will be hosted in Sarawak and KL for the 2027 SEA Games.
“The federal government has responded positively to Sarawak’s offers, and I am sure we will play a big part in 2027, as Thailand is up next to host the Games in 2025.
“However, it will have to take into consideration the private sector sponsors, which will also be financing, and they would want it to be held in KL instead of Sarawak. So we will have to look into all those perspectives,” he elaborated.
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu was among those present.
Meanwhile, KBS will be holding engagement sessions with all stakeholders to assess the financial impact of organising the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia.
According to a news report by Bernama today, KBS Minister Hannah Yeoh anticipates that the expenses for organising the SEA Games will exceed RM700 million, based on the costs incurred in the 2017 SEA Games.
She noted that the costs might increase and that engagement sessions are essential to gather input from all parties and gauge the interest of other states in co-hosting with Putrajaya.
Following these sessions and discussions with potential sponsors, Yeoh stated that the feedback would be presented to the Cabinet before making a final decision on whether to proceed. — DayakDaily
