KUCHING: Sarawak is ready to co-host the 2027 SEA Games and has proposed that the opening ceremony be held in the Land of the Hornbills.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak is also prepared to share the hosting costs of the Games with Putrajaya.
"The Federal Government has approached Sarawak to be a co-host. We were informed that the costs and budget for this event are substantial, and it was suggested that Sarawak could help.
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"We (Sarawak) said we are ready, but we propose that the opening ceremony be held in Sarawak and the closing ceremony in Peninsular Malaysia," he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 Baton Run in the Kuching Division here on Sunday (June 23).
Previously, it was reported that the Youth and Sports Ministry was evaluating the impact of hosting the Games and would present its findings to the Cabinet next month.
The SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) Council unanimously agreed in May 2022 to award hosting rights to Malaysia, which has hosted the biennial Games six times: in 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2017.
All six editions of the Games were held in the Klang Valley.
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Abang Johari said the estimated cost of hosting the 2027 Games is around RM750mil, and Sarawak is willing to bear half the amount.
"Why are we willing to co-host? Because this is part of our talent development agenda.
"Our talent development is not only in the field of economics but also in sports.
"We want our young people to be active, which is why I am eager for Sarawak to be a co-host," he said. – Bernama
