GEORGE TOWN, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has agreed to allocate RM15 million for hosting snooker and billiards during the 2027 SEA Games.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said that, however, at this stage, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), through the Organising Committee, is scrutinising the proposal to offer several additional indoor sports to Penang through the agreed allocation.
“This matter will also take into account the suitability of existing sports facilities available in Penang,” he said at the state assembly sitting here today.
He was replying to a question from Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk) regarding the estimated cost to be borne by Penang, the projected profit or economic impact that can be generated as well as the sports to be held in the state based on the venue location and facility standards.
Gooi said the state government had applied to KBS to host snooker at the Northern Region Snooker and Billiard Academy Centre in Bayan Baru, near here.
He said the academy also has other sports and accommodation facilities in the vicinity as well as strategic local economic activities.
He added, however, that further discussions will be held with KBS and other host states to finalise the events and venues involved in Penang.
Gooi also said that the hosting of international sports events could help boost local economic development through tourism, ticket sales and corporate sponsorship, thus enhancing the state and country’s image and reputation at the global level.
“According to the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), sports tourism has the potential to generate an estimated RM5 billion annual revenue for Malaysia,” he said.
Malaysia has accepted the offer from the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) to host the 2027 SEA Games which, for now, will be co-hosted by Sarawak and Penang.
-- BERNAMA
