KUALA LUMPUR — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is awaiting official confirmation from the Johor state government on its role as a co-organiser of football for the 2027 SEA Games.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh identified Johor as the most suitable venue for hosting football, citing its international-standard facilities.
“It is interesting for Johor because they have world-class football facilities. This is the pride of the country. Johor can join KBS in hosting football in the 2027 SEA Games.
“We have to wait for the statement from the Johor Exco while they are waiting for the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail to host the sport, namely football, for the biennial sports games,” she told reporters after flagging off the Railway to See Malaysia Fun Run 2024 at the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) headquarters here today.
On Wednesday, Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development, and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah announced the state’s interest in hosting football, pending Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s approval.
Meanwhile, Hannah said KBS will hold discussions early next year with states interested in co-organising the SEA Games.
A co-organising committee will also be established to coordinate Malaysia’s preparations.
“The meeting will be held early next year, we want to start early to ensure that preparations are thorough because it involves several states.
“We will discuss with states that are interested in being hosts, there will be a joint committee to organise the 2027 SEA Games to move together,” she said.
In August, KBS announced that Malaysia had received an offer from the SEA Games Federation (SEAGF) to host the 34th Games.
This marks the seventh time Malaysia will host the SEA Games, following the 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2017 editions. Events will be held in Kuala Lumpur and other states, including Sarawak and Penang. — November 30, 2024