We never made financial commitment to co-host 2027 SEA Games, says Sabah

The state’s finance minister, Masidi Manjun, says there are not enough sports facilities for the regional event.

(FMT) – The Sabah government has sought to clarify that it has yet to make any financial commitment involving co-hosting the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games

Sabah’s finance minister, Masidi Manjun, said the state Cabinet, which met today, emphasised that Sabah was not ready to co-host the games, citing inadequate sports facilities.

“The Sabah Cabinet meeting today confirmed that (the state government) has never made any financial commitment for the hosting of the 2027 SEA Games.

“Sports infrastructure in Sabah requires significant upgrades before we can consider becoming a co-host,” he said in a post on X.

Last week, the youth and sports ministry announced that Malaysia had accepted the offer to hold the 2027 SEA Games, with Penang, Sabah and Sarawak agreeing to co-host the event with Kuala Lumpur.

Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry rejected several offers from other states to co-host the games because they did not agree to share the cost.

Yeoh said the total cost was estimated at RM700 million, based on the cost of the 2017 SEA Games. She also said Sarawak has agreed to cover 50% of the cost, while Sabah is offering RM100 million and Penang RM15 million.

FMT has reached out to Yeoh for comment.