KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will set aside an initial RM120 million for organising the 34th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027, with Kuching serving as the central hub for the regional sporting event.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said another RM144 million will be allocated in 2027 to upgrade key sports facilities in preparation for the Games.

“For 2027, the state government will set aside an initial RM120 million for the event organisation and RM144 million to upgrade 11 key sports facilities, all set to be competition-ready by mid-2027,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 for its second reading at the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday.

The key sports facilities listed are the Sarawak Stadium, Sarawak Indoor Stadium, Lawn Bowls Arena, Wushu Training Centre, Sarawak Lawn Tennis Centre, Sarawak Shooting Range, Sarawak Squash Centre, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Archery Centre, and Sarawak Petanque Centre.

The Sarawak Premier noted that the upgrading of these sports facilities will strengthen Sarawak's capacity to host future international sporting events, including the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029.

He added that Sarawak Budget 2027 also allocates RM5 million for Sukan Sarawak (SUKSAR) 2027, which will serve as a platform to prepare athletes for SUKMA 2028.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said another RM21 million has been allocated to support sports and recreational facilities across the divisions, providing more opportunities for Sarawakians to participate in sports, develop their talents and lead healthier, more active lifestyles. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim