PUTRAJAYA: If Malaysia hosts the 2027 Sea Games, it could cost the government in excess of RM700mil.
Youth and Sports (KBS) Minister Hannah Yeoh said this initial assessment is based on the costs incurred when Malaysia hosted the biennial event in 2017.
"The rough estimate is around RM700 million, based on the expenditure for the 2017 SEA Games when we were the host," said Hannah after the launch ceremony of the Sports Satellite Account at the KBS Tower today.
"However, it is now 2024 and the costs are likely to increase, which is why we are engaging with stakeholders first before any decision is made," said Yeoh.
Yeoh added that the cabinet has not decided whether Malaysia will host the 2027 Sea Games.
She said the previous cabinet meeting requested for the sports ministry to hold engagement sessions with all stakeholders, including sponsors, to assess the financial impact on the country.
"The cabinet wants to know whether it is worthwhile for us to host it or not. KBS has also been asked to discuss with other states if they are interested in co-hosting.
"The first engagement session will be held on June 6. I will bring the feedback received from this engagement session to the cabinet for them to decide whether to proceed or not.''
Previously, the Sarawak state government has expressed interest in co-hosting the 2027 SEA Games as it has already invested in upgrading sports facilities in the state for the 2024 Malaysian Games.