KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak are expecting it to cost no less than RM100 million to host the Malaysia Games which will be spread across eight divisions in the state on Aug 17-24 next year.
A substantial amount will go towards repairing or making minor upgrades to sporting facilities which already exist in the state.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has no qualms about the outlay required for the games.
The eight divisions involved are Kuching, Sri Aman, Samarahan, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri. Over 5,000 athletes are expected to compete.
"It will definitely be more than RM100 million, as far as I know the organising costs for each Malaysia Games (hosted by states) costs more than RM100 million," said Karim recently.
"I am also in charge of tourism (in Sarawak) so I feel good when people come into the state because of the tourism receipt, the multiplier (effect).
"It is also good that we have expanded the games to spread across eight divisions so everyone, more or less, can enjoy the economic spin off and also have the chance to support their favourite teams.
"Of course we won't get a direct, one-to-one return from the event itself but for every athlete, official and supporter who comes here, the hotels, hawker stalls, transportation companies and so on will get the benefits."
Karim, who is also the state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, disclosed that they have already begun the process of preparing the venues for the games.
"We have already started asking for feedback from venue owners and trustees on what needs to be repaired," he added.
"It (works) will not be anything major, I would say just minor upgrading because all these facilities are still currently being used (in working order).
"But some trustees will try as much as possible to (get more work done on their venues), some have even asked for new roofs.
"At the moment the list of requests has already exceeded RM60 million and they are still coming in.
"We will definitely have a committee look at this and decide on what needs to be done and what doesn't. This will also involve the Sarawak State Financial Secretary Office but it should not be a problem."
Karim added that the plan to replant one of Sarawak's stadiums with zeon zoysia grass will not affect the games.
"The Sarawak Sports Complex is large and has two stadiums within it - Sarawak Stadium and Sarawak State Stadium," he said.
"We will most likely replant Stadium Sarawak (with zeon zoysia) but if it is not ready in time for the games, we can always use the Sarawak State Stadium to host the track and field events so it will not be an issue."
The Sarawak Stadium, which was completed in the mid 90s, is the larger of the two stadiums with a seating capacity of 40,000.
The Sarawak State Stadium, opened in 1983, has a capacity of 26,000.