KUCHING, Feb 20: Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 will benchmark Sarawak’s capabilities to host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2027, says Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak said the State’s performance in hosting the national sporting event is important before the government could submit a proposal to host the SEA Games.
“If we can organise Sukma, then we can submit a proposal to the federal government to host the SEA Games.
“This is (determine) whether we will bid for or request to make Sarawak to host the international sporting event,” he said at the Road to Sukma 2024 programme at Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium yesterday (Feb 19).
He elaborated that Sukma will test Sarawak’s efficiency in hosting, managing, and organising one of Malaysia’s biggest sports events before moving to the international level.
Therefore, he said, Sarawak will continue to focus on improving and upgrading sports facilities in the State.
On October 21 last year, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari suggested that Sarawak could host the SEA Games in 2027.
He said that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia has requested that Sarawak prepare for the event, which will be held in 2027.
Meanwhile, Sarawak is expected to build its first velodrome after the conclusion of Sukma 2024, with funds totalling over RM100 million allocated by the State government.
Abdul Karim said the proposal for the construction of the velodrome was due to the need to develop track cyclists in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
