‘SEA Games 2027 facility upgrades may exceed RM350 mln budget’

KUCHING (Dec 2): The RM350 million allocated for the organisation of the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games may be insufficient to cover the upgrading of sports facilities.

Speaking after his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the planned upgrading of the Sarawak Shooting Range, which he warned could ‘bust the budget’.

“From my point of view, there is no issue with the overall budget, as the state has set aside RM350 million for the event. However, the upgrading of facilities may slightly exceed this.

“Take the shooting range, for example. It needs both hit and trap components, which requires acquiring nearby land of at least five acres. The figure allocated for compensation appears insufficient for such an open area,” he said.

Despite the potential shortfall, Abdul Karim expressed confidence that preparations would be completed in time for the Games.

He noted that the most costly facility upgrade will be at Sarawak Stadium.

He also urged hotels across the state to consider refurbishments in preparation for the Games.

Earlier in his speech, Abdul Karim revealed that Sarawak has been assigned to host 17 sports—the highest among the co-hosting states—and that Sarawak Stadium will host the SEA Games 2027 opening ceremony.

“To ensure the successful delivery of the Games, a total allocation of RM350 million has been provided for the organisation of 17 sporting events and the opening ceremony.

“This funding covers promotional initiatives, training and coordination for working committees, and the provision of sports equipment to meet all technical and competition standards set by the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF), ensuring the Games are delivered to the highest standard,” he said.