Kuching: Preparations for the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak are progressing smoothly and remain on track according to the established timeline.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said 22 working committees have been established to oversee key operational areas for the sporting event. "The committees include technical management, infrastructure, accommodation, transportation, medical services, security, media and volunteer coordination," he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Governor's Address for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Abdul Karim said Sarawak carries the significant responsibility of hosting the official opening ceremony, scheduled to be held on September 18, 2027, at the Sarawak Stadium. He stated that the state will host 17 of the 38 sports contested at the Games, including aquatics, e-sports, golf, tennis, lawn bowls, muay thai, cricket, taekwondo, petanque, squash, gymnastics, basketball, archery, shooting, tenpin bowling, weightlifting, and wushu.

"To support these hosting requirements, upgrading works for 11 SEA Games facilities have been approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan and are currently progressing according to schedule," he explained. The facilities involved are the Sarawak Stadium, Stadium Perpaduan (Sarawak Indoor Stadium), Lawn Bowl Arena, Wushu Training Centre, Sarawak Lawn Tennis Centre, Sarawak Shooting Range, Sarawak Squash Centre, Cricket and Rugby Ground, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Sarawak Archery Centre and Sarawak Petanque Centre. He added that all facilities are targeted to be fully operational by the first and second quarters of 2027.