KUCHING: With one year to go before the 34th SEA Games in 2027, Sarawak is stepping up preparations as a co-host by mobilising 24 committees and implementing 11 venue development and upgrading projects to ensure Southeast Asia’s largest multi-sport event runs smoothly.

Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) and SEA Games Malaysia 2027 Sarawak Cluster Secretariat Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee said preparations also include coordination with the Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) 2027 and ensuring Sarawak is ready to host 18 of the 43 sports to be contested.

According to him, the One Year Countdown to SEA Games 2027 marks an important milestone in raising public awareness and building excitement ahead of the Games.

“The One Year Countdown on 18 September marks an important milestone ahead of the 34th SEA Games, with Sarawak given the honour for the first time to co-host the SEA Games 2027 alongside Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor,” he said.

He said this during the Juh Randau programme produced by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) at the UKAS Studio on Thursday.

Datu Hii added that the establishment of the secretariat and related committees enables preparations for the Sarawak Cluster to be coordinated with MASOC at the national level.

“We have established a secretariat that works closely with the main secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee, or MASOC, in organising 18 of the 43 sports at the upcoming SEA Games.

“In addition, we have set up 24 committees and have planned and implemented 11 development and upgrading projects for various sporting venues to be used during next year’s SEA Games,” he said.

He explained that the 11 projects involve the development and upgrading of venues to ensure the facilities are at an appropriate standard for hosting the Games.

Beyond venue readiness, Datu Hii said coordination among all clusters is also being prioritised under the ‘One Game, One Standard’ concept to ensure consistency in transportation, accommodation, food and hospitality for athletes and delegations.

At the same time, community involvement forms part of the preparations to build momentum and excitement ahead of the Games.

Datu Hii expressed hope that hosting the SEA Games 2027 would leave a lasting legacy for Sarawak, particularly by giving the younger generation the opportunity to experience an international sporting event in the state firsthand.

Sarawak has allocated RM350 million for the organisation of SEA Games 2027, while the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is providing RM330 million, with Penang allocating RM15 million and Johor RM5 million.

The Games will be hosted across four clusters comprising Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Penang and Johor, with Sarawak also set to host the opening ceremony scheduled for 18 September 2027. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Mia Amira Jalil
Photo: Jaed Tepus
Translator: Ravinraj