KUCHING: Sarawak is set to host the highest number of sporting events at the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with 18 sports currently agreed upon, says Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the official opening ceremony of the 2027 SEA Games will take place in Kuching, allowing Sarawak to begin preparations to welcome athletes from across the region.
Noting that the final list of sports will be subject to approval by the Olympic Council and SEA Games member states, he said Sarawak’s selection is based on its available facilities.
“We have agreed to 18 sports, but this is not exhaustive yet. The Olympic Council and SEA Games members still need to finalise the list, as the event is still some time away.
“We definitely have tenpin bowling because our Megalane is among the best in Southeast Asia. Aquatic events, including diving, are also on the list. I believe taekwondo is one of them as well.
“We are hoping for cricket to be included because we have our new cricket field,” he told the media after officiating at the D’Drift 2025 flag off at TT3, DayakDaily office today.
On venue distribution, he said events in Sarawak will be concentrated within Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian, unlike Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, which saw competitions spread across the state.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said he also discussed preparations for future multi-sport events with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
This, he said, includes SUKMA 2026 in Selangor and SUKMA 2028, which Kelantan has officially agreed to host with the support of the federal government.
In September last year, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said 50 per cent of the organisational costs for the 2027 SEA Games would be covered by Sarawak, with most events set to take place in the state.
“The costs are high, but we are willing to allocate the necessary funds for the development of sports and youth in Sarawak.
“As joint hosts, the SEA Games will put Sarawak on the map for competing nations, further elevating our status,” he said.
