KUCHING, Oct 20 — Sarawak is intensifying preparations to co-host the 2027 SEA Games from September 18 to 29 next year, with promotional activities set to continue across the state, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was told today.

Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the promotional activities include a torch run covering all 12 divisions in the state.

He said the initiative would extend the excitement of the Games beyond Kuching and provide communities across the state with an opportunity to be part of the historic event.

“On September 18 this year, Sarawak marked the one-year countdown to SEA Games 2027 with a special ceremony to mark key milestones in our preparations.

“The ceremony also provided an opportunity to introduce the Games to the public and raise awareness of Sarawak’s role as co-host. The official SEA Games Sarawak website was also launched to provide the public and media with information and updates on the Games,” he said when winding up the debate for his ministry.

 Abdul Karim said Sarawak will host 18 of the 43 sports at the 2027 SEA Games, with dance sport newly included in the Sarawak cluster.

Meanwhile, commenting on the 2026 Malaysia Games, he said the Sarawak government would award cash incentives of RM15,000 to athletes who won gold medals, RM5,000 to silver medallists and RM3,000 to bronze medallists.

Athletes who broke records would also receive an additional RM1,000 incentive in recognition of their outstanding performances and achievements. — Bernama