SEA Games Torch Run to unite Sarawak from Limbang to Kuching

Hii (seated, third right) along with Abdul Karim (seated, centre) along with other distinguished guests and attendees at the launching of One-Year Countdown to SEA Games 2027 Sarawak Cluster at tHe Spring Shopping Mall on Sept 18, 2026. Photo: Ukas

By Christine T

KUCHING, Sept 18:A SEA Games Torch Run from Limbang to Kuching will traverse all 12 divisions of Sarawak as part of the State’s build-up to the 34th SEA Games Malaysia 2027.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Sarawak Cluster Datu Hii Chang Kee said the run would be more than a ceremonial event, serving as a symbol of unity and shared ownership of the Games among Sarawakians.

“It’s not a government event, but an event for all Sarawakians to be proud of, connecting our communities across the State as we move towards September 2027,” he said during the One-Year Countdown to SEA Games 2027 Sarawak Cluster at tHe Spring Shopping Mall here today.

Hii, who is also Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Operations), said Sarawak would host 18 of the 43 sports contested at the Games, covering an estimated 281 of the 480 events.

The sports to be held in Sarawak are aquatics, wushu, cricket, shooting, taekwondo, muay, basketball, tenpin bowling, tennis, esports, petanque, squash, archery, lawn bowls, gymnastics, weightlifting, golf and dancesport.

He said preparations would intensify over the coming year, with the Sarawak LOC adopting a whole-of-government approach involving 22 committees led by permanent secretaries and directors of government departments.

Beyond hosting the Games, Hii said Sarawak was also looking to create a lasting sporting legacy through improved facilities, stronger sporting associations, and a larger pool of experienced officials, volunteers and technical personnel.

“As we begin this one-year countdown, let us move forward together with one shared purpose — not only to deliver a successful Games, but, as I said, to create a Games with a lasting impact that will be felt long after even the last medal is handed out,” he said.

The 2027 SEA Games will be held from Sept 18 to 29 in Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor, with the opening ceremony scheduled to take place at Stadium Sarawak on Sept 18, 2027.

Launched by Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, it was also attended by Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat; Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Operations) and chairman of the Malaysia SEA Games 2027 Secretariat for the Sarawak Cluster Datu Hii Chang Kee; Malaysia’s SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub; Tanjong Datu assemblyman and Chef de Mission for SEA Games Malaysia Azizul Annuar Adenan, and permanent secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dzulkornain Masron. – DayakDaily