Sarawak’s SEA Games-related spending expected to exceed RM600 mln

Abdul Karim fields questions from reporters at Tambirat Hawkers Centre on Feb 21, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

ASAJAYA, Feb 21: Sarawak’s total spending related to the hosting of the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is expected to exceed RM600 million, with more than RM250 million allocated for upgrading sports facilities, on top of the RM350 million committed for organising the event.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the overall cost of staging the SEA Games is estimated at RM700 million, with the Sarawak government committed to covering half of the amount — RM350 million — mainly for operational expenses such as the opening ceremony, preparations and accommodation for athletes and officials.

“The RM350 million does not include the upgrading of facilities. The upgrading is borne by the State government,” he told reporters when met at the Asajaya Ramadan Bazaar here today.

He said the initial estimate for upgrading sports facilities was about RM200 million, but the figure has since increased and is now expected to exceed RM250 million.

“We will know the exact figure at the end of this month when three papers are tabled in the Cabinet for approval of the upgrading works,” he said.

Abdul Karim explained that the investment would bring long-term benefits, as the facilities would continue to be used after the SEA Games.

“That is why the cost is a bit on the high side. But the return on investment will be good because we are not using the facilities only for the SEA Games. They will be used in the long term,” he said.

On the upgrading works, he said contractor selection has been conducted through selective tender due to the tight timeframe for completion.

He added that the Public Works Department (JKR), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and the SEA Games organising committee have been tasked with identifying contractors with strong financial capacity and proven capability to complete the works on schedule.

As an example, Abdul Karim said the upgrading of Sarawak Stadium alone is estimated to cost RM183 million.

“Most of the projects are done through selective tender. We cannot afford to do open tender anymore because of the time frame. But I am not involved in the selection. Everything is handled by the committee,” he said.

During a separate function at Tambirat Hawkers Centre today, Abdul Karim added that he had briefed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday on the SEA Games upgrading proposals, set to be tabled for Cabinet approval.

He explained that the significant increase in facility upgrading costs — from an initial RM210 million to about RM280 million — was due to detailed assessments by consultants.

“For sports like squash, we need to add additional courts. For wushu, more seating is required for spectators. Tennis courts themselves are fine, but spectator seating needs upgrading. Even pétanque and nearly all other facilities require some form of improvement.

“Meanwhile, the shooting range for the skeet and trap event required land acquisition, which alone cost over RM10 million. We already have a static range, but not the skeet and trap range. That is one of the main reasons for the cost increase,” he said.

On accommodation for athletes, he said SEA Games participants must be housed in at least three- to four-star hotels.

“We have already studied this before applying to co-host the SEA Games. Insya Allah, new hotels will be ready before the Games, including one in Galacity with about 200 rooms, along with two others. Combined, there will be enough rooms for athletes, officials and supporters,” he stated.

The 2027 SEA Games will be co-hosted across multiple states in Malaysia. Sarawak will lead with 17 sports, Kuala Lumpur will host 14, Penang six, and Johor one. This marks the first time Sarawak will stage a major portion of the SEA Games, including the opening ceremony. – DayakDaily