SIBU: Sarawak has pledged RM350 million in contribution for being chosen as a co-host of the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, In his address at the state-level National Day celebration here today, also thanked the federal government for agreeing to Sarawak's offer to be joint organisers for the SEA Games, which is estimated to cost RM700 million.
He is confident that key infrastructure facilities will be upgraded to international standard so Sarawak as a co-host will be ready to stage the biennial games.
"I believe that in 2027, the air infrastructure, especially Sarawak's own airlines, will by then have started operations to further facilitate movement to and from Sarawak," he said.
He also believed that by 2027, the autonomous rapid transit public transport system will also be operational to facilitate movement around Kuchingty.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh recently said that apart from Sarawak, Penang and Sabah have also agreed to co-host the SEA Games.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was quoted as saying that the state government had agreed to be a co-host if 18 out of the 36 sporting events are held in the state and the opening ceremony to be held in Kuching.
On the recent Malaysian Games (Sukma), Abang Johari congratulated all state athletes who made Sarawak proud by emerging the overall champions, garnering 76 gold medals.
He said Sarawak had accepted the challenge to host Sukma this year, although it was not their turn.