NSC STILL AWAITING FEEDBACK FROM STATES KEEN TO CO-HOST 2027 SEA GAMES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) — Sabah is the latest state to give feedback to the National Sports Council (NSC) regarding the organisation of the 2027 SEA Games, and the parent body is still awaiting feedback from other states interested in co-hosting the biennial games.

NSC director-general Abdul Rashid Yaakub said at this stage it has received responses from three states namely Sarawak, Penang and Sabah.

“So far, as informed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Penang and Sarawak are definitely (interested). The latest is Sabah (and) while this week, our secretariat is also updating reactions from the states (regarding their decision on whether they want to be involved).

“We should get (answers) by the end of this week, but it is still in the works because some states have not been able to decide on the matter. We will give the states a little more time for feedback because they have a process and procedure in making their decision,” he said.

Abdul Rashid said this after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) here today between NSC and Bubbles O2 which will cooperate for three years until 2027.

Also present at the event was Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

It is understood that so far, little more is known on what Sabah's position is exactly, since the details of the feedback given to the NSC have not been disclosed.

While Sarawak was prepared to share the cost of organisation with the Federal government on the condition that the opening ceremony and some other events be held in the ‘Land of the Hornbill’, apart from Penang has submitted a proposal to host one event in the state but did not specify the type of sport. 

Abdul Rashid said NSC is currently preparing a paper on the impact of organising the 2027 SEA Games with details on costs and types of sports to the Cabinet, which is expected to be completed before the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris that starts on July 26.

It will also re-evaluate if many states are interested in sharing the Games and costs.

“I have to explain this. We will raise the proposal (however), approval for this hosting is not certain yet (but) we are preparing all details and which will be raised to a Cabinet meeting later.

“Actually, a lot (of information) has been received, it just needs to be touched up about 10 to 20 per cent more. We are waiting for more information from the states,” he reiterated.

— BERNAMA