Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was confident in his state’s ability to host the regional sporting event.

“Sarawak has indicated to the youth and sports ministry its interest. (We have) all the facilities for hosting an event of this magnitude,” he told FMT.

Last Monday, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said it will submit a resolution for the government to continue with plans to hold the multi-sport event in three years’ time.

OCM president Norza Zakaria said the resolution, endorsed by several major sports stakeholders, was drawn up following concerns that Putrajaya may decline to act as host after having turned down an offer to stage the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Malaysia was awarded hosting rights for the 2027 SEA Games two years ago after Brunei withdrew.

In October last year, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the federal youth and sports ministry told the state government to be alert to the possibility of playing host to the SEA Games.

Meanwhile, Sarawak is set to host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) from Aug 17 to 24 this year at a cost of nearly RM300 million, with athletes from across the nation competing in 488 events in 37 different sports.

The state, which is hosting the biennial games for the third time, plans to distribute the events among all its nine districts.