KUALA LUMPUR — The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has called for the centralisation of competition venues in Kuching when Sarawak co-hosts the 2027 SEA Games.
OCM secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib emphasised the need to avoid scattered venues, referencing the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma), which took place across nine divisions in Sarawak last August.
“Sarawak has requested to host the opening ceremony and certain events like diving. However, centralising venues is crucial to avoid logistical challenges for participating countries,” Nazifuddin said.
He added that sports requiring specific facilities, such as sailing and track cycling, would be discussed once the Malaysia SEA Games Organising Committee (MASOC) is established, likely by mid-2025.
This would ensure Malaysia’s readiness to assume leadership of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) after the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
OCM has also urged national sports associations (NSAs) to submit proposals for both the 2025 and 2027 SEA Games to finalise the list of sports and events.
“If the opening ceremony is in Sarawak, we propose holding the closing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur,” Mohd Nazifuddin noted.
Apart from Sarawak, Penang has expressed interest in hosting snooker and billiards, while Johor is keen on football.
As per SEAGF Charter and Rules, additional sports beyond the mandatory ones, such as aquatics and athletics, can be included if at least four countries participate.
The final list of sports must be confirmed 15 months before the Games commence.
The exact dates for the 2027 SEA Games are yet to be determined. — December 29, 2024