KUCHING: Sarawak’s commitment to the 2027 SEA Games is nearing RM600 million, covering RM350 million in hosting costs and over RM250 million in facility upgrades.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the RM350 million represents the state’s share of the estimated RM700 million cost of organising the regional multi-sport event, including ceremonies, preparation and accommodation for athletes and officials.
He explained that the upgrading works are separate from the organising budget, with the Sarawak Government covering the costs.
“The RM350 million is for organising – opening ceremony, preparation, and accommodation. The upgrading is separate,” he told reporters recently.
Initially estimated at about RM200 million, the cost of upgrading venues has risen and is expected to exceed RM250 million, pending Cabinet approval.
“We would know at the end of this month; there are three papers being tabled in Cabinet to get approval for the upgrading works,” he said.
Among the major projects is the Sarawak Stadium, which hosted the 1997 FIFA World Youth Cup, where the upgrading alone is estimated to cost about RM183 million.
Due to the tight timeline, contractors are being appointed through a selective tender process handled by the Public Works Department (PWD), as well as Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and the SEA Games organising committee.
“Most of them are done through selective tender. We cannot afford to do open tender anymore because of the time frame, and that is why it is being done that way. But I am not involved. Everything is handled by the committee,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the upgrades are targeted for completion at least three months before the Games and stressed that the spending is a long-term investment rather than a one-off event cost.
“That is why it is a bit on the high side. The return on investment will be good because we are not upgrading the facilities just for the SEA Games. They will be used in the long term,” he added.
