DUN Sarawak: RM264 million for the 2027 SEA Games

KUCHING, 12 Oct: The Government of Sarawak allocates RM264 million for preparation of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA) 2027.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Tinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said it included RM120 million for event management and RM144 million to upgrade major sports facilities in the state.

According to him, Sarawak will host the 34th SEA Games in 2027 with Kuching as the main hub involving 18 of the 38 competing sports.

"The tournament is expected to bring together more than 3,000 athletes, 1,700 technical staff, 4,000 volunteers and 5,500 officials, thus becoming a platform to celebrate sporting excellence, culture and regional unity", he said while presenting Sarawak Budget 2027 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

In order to ensure the smooth running of the tournament, he said, a total of 11 major sports facilities will be upgraded and targeted for completion by mid-2027.

"Among the facilities listed are Sarawak Stadium, Sarawak Closed Stadium, Arena Lawn Bowls, Wushu Training Center, Sarawak Lawn Tennis Centre, Sarawak Sasar Field, Sarawak Squash Centre, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Archery Centre and Sarawak Petanque Centre", he said.

Brother Johari explained that the upgrading of sports infrastructure is also aimed at strengthening Sarawak's ability to host future international sporting events including Islamic Unity Games which are scheduled to take place in 2029.

In addition, in an effort to strengthen the development of sports from the root level, the Government of Sarawak also allocated RM5 million for the promotion of Sarawak Sports (SUKSAR) 2027.

In addition, RM1.2 million is available for Sarawak's X-Tive 2027 programme which aims at the participation of 120,000 participants, thereby bringing sports activities closer to communities across the district.

A further RM21 million was allocated to support the development of sports and recreation facilities throughout Sarawak.

The allocation is expected to expand community participation opportunities in sports activities, develop talent and promote healthier and more active lifestyles.

Overall, preparations for the 2027 SEA Games are not only focused on regional tournament sponsorship, but will also be a catalyst for the development of sports infrastructure and long-term strengthening of Sarawak's sport ecosystem.