YOUTH, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is confident that Sarawak will be fully prepared to co-host the 34th SEA Games in 2027, assuring that all major requirements will be completed within the remaining one and a half years.
He said preparations are progressing steadily and expressed certainty that the state would meet all expectations in time for the region’s biggest multi-sport event.
“I am very confident that everything will be in place,” he told reporters after delivering his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abdul Karim acknowledged that ongoing discussions are centred on logistics, accommodation and competition facilities, but stressed that the time frame gives Sarawak ample room to finalise all arrangements.
On accommodation, he said international athletes must be housed in hotels and cannot be placed in dormitory-type facilities used for SUKMA.
“Our three and four-star hotels should be sufficient to cover the athletes. We may not have enough five-star hotels but some athletes may insist on that, and they have to pay as well,” he said, adding that some hotels may refurbish their facilities ahead of the Games.
He also confirmed that 11 sports facilities in Sarawak are slated for upgrades, with Sarawak Stadium being the most substantial project.
“The stadium, which will host the SEA Games opening ceremony, is expected to be completely transformed once refurbishment works are completed,” he said.
Earlier, during his winding-up speech, Abdul Karim highlighted several major events and programmes under his ministry, including the successful staging of the Borneo Games Kuching 2025 from Sept 24 to 28, which strengthened ties among Brunei, Sabah, Labuan, Kalimantan Timur and Sarawak.
“Sarawak dominated the Games, topping the medal tally with 168 medals 62 gold, 61 silver and 45 bronze. Sarawak swimmers Hii Puong Wei and Cheeren Ngo Yirui were named Best Male and Best Female Athletes respectively,” he stated.
He also touched on preparations for Sukan Sarawak (SUKSAR) IV 2026, which will be held in early February in Sri Aman and Betong, featuring 11 sports aimed at identifying and nurturing grassroots talent.
For SUKMA XXII Selangor 2026, he said Sarawak is preparing to defend its overall champion title, with athletes already competing in state, national and international tournaments to meet qualification standards.
Abdul Karim noted that Sarawak will host 17 sports for the 2027 SEA Games, the most among all co-hosting states, reflecting strong confidence in the state’s capability and readiness.
He said the federal government has allocated RM350 million for organising the 17 sports and the opening ceremony, including promotion, equipment, training and technical preparations to meet Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) standards.
