Sarawak willing to foot half of 2027 SEA Games bill, says Abang Jo

Abang Johari Openg says sports talent development is in line with Sarawak’s ambition to become a developed state by 2030. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak is willing to pay half of the costs if the state co-hosts the 34th SEA Games in 2027, says premier Abang Johari Openg.

“Following a few unofficial proposals to ask Sarawak to be co-host, we have suggested that the games be launched in Sarawak and closed in Putrajaya.

“We are also willing to share the costs to co-host the SEA Games. It would be a good chance for us to observe our sports talent and compete in this event,” Abang Johari told reporters in Kuching today.

He said Sarawak is willing to pay half of the bill as hosting the sports event aligns with the state’s agenda to develop its sports talents.

“The estimated cost is RM750 million. Sarawak is willing to pay half. We are brave enough to pay because our talent development agenda is to train more talents in sports.

“We want our youth to be active,” he said.

Abang Johari said sports talent development is in line with the state’s ambition to become a developed state by 2030.

He also said he had ordered state tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah to discuss the details of the collaboration with federal youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh.

“They can discuss how many sports categories will be in Sarawak and how many will be in Putrajaya,” he said.

Earlier this month, Sarawak had expressed to the federal government its interest in hosting the 2027 SEA Games, either on its own or as a co-host.

Karim said hosting the games was well within Sarawak’s capabilities, citing the availability of suitable facilities to accommodate the large-scale event.

Economist Geoffrey Williams backed Sarawak’s bid, saying the biennial sporting event has the potential to bring economic benefits to the state.