KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — About 14,000 volunteers are needed to help make the 2027 SEA Games a success, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor and Penang from September 18 to 29 next year.

Malaysia Organising Committee (Masoc) and Asean Para Games 2027 Secretariat Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub said the figure included between 5,000 and 8,000 SEA Games 2027 volunteers needed for the Kuala Lumpur cluster.

“In Penang, an estimated 2,000 volunteers may be needed, while Sarawak may require between 5,000 and 6,000. The total may reach about 14,000 people for all four SEA Games 2027 clusters,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here today.

He said the organising committee also needed 5,000 volunteers to help make the 2027 Asean Para Games (APG) a success, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 17 to 23.

“APG volunteers may require special skills and greater expertise in handling athletes with disabilities,” he said.

He said applications to become volunteers for both sporting events would open on December 5 to people of all ages, including those from overseas.

“Masoc is targeting volunteers from other countries, particularly international students who are able to communicate in the languages of participating countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rashid said about 1,000 pre-registration applications for volunteers for both sporting events had been received so far through government-organised programmes, including the Madani Kita programme.

Abdul Rashid said volunteers would not only receive clothing, but would also be considered for accommodation, food and transportation assistance throughout the Games.

“Our country is well known for hosting sporting events. If we look at the recent hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, many fans were excited.

“With Malaysians’ willingness to get involved in sports, I am confident that many will want to participate. So, I invite everyone to join us as volunteers for the 2027 SEA Games and 2027 Asean Para Games,” he said. — Bernama