KUCHING: The Sarawak government will commit RM350mil towards the cost of organising the 2027 SEA Games, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said this would cover half of the RM700mil needed to organise the Games, while the Federal Government will bear the other half.
"This is just for organising the Games. The cost of upgrading sports facilities comes from the state's own coffers," he told a press conference after receiving a courtesy call from newly-appointed federal Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol here on Friday (Feb 13).
Abdul Karim said he signed a deed of guarantee for the RM350mil on behalf of the state government, which was then presented to the Federal Cabinet, after bringing the matter to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"The Federal Government didn't want us to commit 'pakai air liur' (making empty promises). They prepared a deed of guarantee and sent it to my ministry.
"I brought the letter to the Premier and he told me to sign it. So Sarawak is committed to the RM350mil," he said.
Sarawak will co-host the 2027 SEA Games with Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place in Kuching, along with 17 sports.
Abdul Karim said sports venues and facilities were now being upgraded and must be ready three months before the Games for testing and athlete familiarisation.
"We are very serious. We want to make sure this will be the best SEA Games to be held in Malaysia," he said.
Meanwhile, Mordi said the Youth and Sports Ministry would extend its full support to Sarawak for the Games.
"We have confidence in Abdul Karim's leadership and we will assist wherever we can," he said.
Malaysia SEA Games organising committee chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub said several sports events would be held in selected venues ahead of the Games to test the facilities.
He said eight to 10 sports would be selected for test events in Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
"We haven't picked which sports yet as it's still too early. Many of the facilities are now in the process of upgrading," he added.
