KUCHING: Sarawak is confident of accommodating not only athletes and officials but also supporters during the 2027 SEA Games, with hotels and rental apartments already factored into planning.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state’s experience in hosting the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) has provided a strong benchmark, noting that the number of athletes and workers involved during SUKMA was higher than what is expected for the SEA Games.
“In terms of accommodation, we do not foresee any major problems. During SUKMA, the number of athletes and workers was actually more than what we are expecting for the SEA Games,” he said.
Abdul Karim was speaking to reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the State-level 52nd Sarawak Age Group Swimming (SAG) Championships at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here last night (Jan 4).
He explained that unlike SUKMA, where athletes could be housed in university hostels and boarding facilities, accommodation for the SEA Games must meet regional standards.
“For the SEA Games, accommodation must be star-rated. We have already made the necessary calculations, and the number of hotels available is sufficient,” he said.
He added that rental apartments in areas such as Vivacity Megamall’s Jazz Suite and Matang’s Metrocity Condominium would also be utilised, particularly for supporters and family members of athletes.
“These apartments will be among the options made available for supporters and families coming over (to Sarawak) for the Games,” he said.
On media facilities, he expressed confidence that Sarawak would be able to provide an improved media centre compared to previous editions of the SEA Games.
“God willing, the media centre here will be better than what I have seen. I don’t want to look down on the last host, but I believe that we can provide even better facilities, including for the official opening, which will be held at the Sarawak Stadium” he added.
