SEA Games 2027: Rising Upgrade Costs, Sarawak Committed To Strengthening Sports Infrastructure
ASAJAYA: The cost of hosting and upgrading facilities for the 2027 SEA Games, the region’s premier sporting event, which will be staged in Sarawak, has risen from the initial estimates due to the pressing need to enhance existing sports infrastructure as well as land acquisition requirements for certain events.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stressed that the RM350 million allocated by the Sarawak Government covers organisational expenses only.
Additional costs for upgrading sports facilities are not included in that figure.
He explained that Sarawak Stadium, an icon and the heartbeat of the state’s sporting scene, requires comprehensive refurbishment, as the facility was last built between 1996 and 1997 in conjunction with the FIFA World Youth Championship.
“The cost of upgrading facilities, including Sarawak Stadium, squash courts, tennis courts, petanque venues and nearly all other facilities, must be taken into account. The original budget was set at RM200 million, but following a detailed assessment by consultants, there has been an increase in costs,” he said when met after officiating at a walkabout at the MPKS Tambirat Hawker Centre on Saturday.
He added that among the main factors contributing to the higher costs is the construction of a new shooting range for the skeet and trap events, which requires fresh land acquisition, with estimated expenditure reaching RM12 million.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim confirmed that the matter has been presented to the Sarawak Premier and will be tabled at the State Cabinet meeting at the end of this month for approval in accordance with established procedures.
On accommodation capacity in Kuching, he noted that SEA Games hosting standards require athletes to be housed in three- to five-star hotels, unlike the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), where university residential colleges are typically used to accommodate contingents.
“We conducted studies before submitting our bid to co-host the Games. God willing, new hotels will be completed before the championship begins, including one in Gala City with about 200 rooms, as well as two additional hotels. Overall, accommodation for athletes, officials and supporters will be sufficient,” he added. -UKASnews
