By Christine T
KUCHING, Sept 23 : Sarawak is aiming to set a new benchmark in sports governance based on integrity and transparency as it prepares to co-host the 2027 SEA Games, with stronger safeguards needed to combat corruption, match-fixing, illegal betting, doping and other threats to the sporting ecosystem.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said preparations for the regional multi-sport event must extend beyond venues, infrastructure and event operations to include robust governance systems capable of protecting the integrity of sport.
“Sarawak is committed to ensuring that our level of readiness is at the highest standard. We not only want to be an excellent host in terms of event management and facilities, but also want to establish a new benchmark in sports governance based on integrity and transparency,” he said at a press conference on the Sarawak National Sports Integrity Conference (SNSIC) 2026 held at the ministry’s meeting room in Baitulmakmur 2 today.
Abdul Karim noted that large-scale sporting events involve substantial financial commitments, procurement activities and coordination among multiple agencies, making strong governance frameworks essential.
Without adequate safeguards, he warned, the sports sector could become vulnerable to corruption, match-fixing, illegal betting, doping and broader governance failures.
“These are issues that can undermine public confidence and damage the credibility of sport if they are not properly addressed,” he said.
To strengthen awareness and preparedness, Sarawak will host SNSIC 2026 from Sept 28 to 30 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) in Kuching.
The conference is organised by the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) under the Premier’s Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED).
Carrying the theme “Strengthening Systems, Safeguarding Spirits: Increasing Global Standards for Sports Integrity”, the three-day programme will begin with a high-level conference on Sept 28, followed by technical workshops on Sept 29 and 30.
Abdul Karim said the event is expected to attract between 400 and 500 delegates, including sports administrators, policymakers, enforcement agencies and integrity experts.
Among the organisations expected to participate are UNODC, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the National Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (ADAMAS), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Sports Law Association Malaysia.
The two-day workshop component is expected to involve around 100 participants from government agencies and sports bodies, focusing on procurement governance, legal compliance, enforcement mechanisms and practical strategies to mitigate integrity risks.
Abdul Karim said the conference reflects Sarawak’s determination to ensure that the 2027 SEA Games leaves a legacy not only in sporting excellence and infrastructure development, but also in governance standards that can serve as a model for future major sporting events.
The press conference was also attended by Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department of Sarawak (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, and Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datuk Hii Chang Kee. – DayakDaily
