KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted that the state might stand a chance to host the upcoming 2027 SEA Games.
He said the Youth and Sports Ministry has given the state government a heads-up, calling upon it to prepare as a potential contender for hosting the game.
"We have been asked by the ministry to make preparations, as Sarawak might be selected as the host for the 2027 SEA Games.
"We are actively working on facility preparation, to ensure that they meet international sports standards," he said during the 14th Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) townhall meeting hosted at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today.
Abang Johari said the state government plans to take inspiration from New Zealand, where despite having a small population, the country has excelled in hosting the sporting events.
"We have secured a special allocation for the construction of a sports village.
"It is currently in the construction phase, near the Sarawak Stadium. The latest addition to the project involves the construction of cycling tracks, the velodrome," he said.
Malaysia is set to host the 2027 SEA Games for the seventh time, after having the biennial Games in 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989, 2001 and 2017.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Sibu is next in line for motorsports infrastructure development, following the establishment of circuits in Kuching and Miri.
"We intend to incorporate the motorsports circuit into Sibu's urban planning. We hope that this could fulfill the desires of motorsports enthusiasts in the area.
"The Sarawak government remains committed to fostering the development of sports, as long as there is public interest," he said.
The LBAS is an annual event co-organised by the Kuala Lumpur Sarawakians Association and The Kuala Lumpur Sarawak Foundation to gather Sarawakians working and studying in Peninsular Malaysia.