Malaysia will upgrade existing sports facilities, not build a new stadium, for the 2027 SEA Games, focusing on economical and effective preparations.
THE Ministry of Youth and Sports has no current plans to construct a new international-standard athletics stadium for the 2027 SEA Games.
Deputy Minister Mordi Bimol said the focus will instead be on upgrading existing facilities, including the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
“The government has decided to upgrade existing sports facilities to ensure that venues are in optimal condition ahead of the hosting of the Games next year,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He stated this approach is more appropriate to optimise facility use in an economical and effective manner.
Mordi was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim regarding the absence of a new stadium and a dedicated sports university.
On the proposed sports university, Mordi explained that existing higher education institutions are currently sufficient.
He said six public and five private institutions nationwide already offer sports-related courses.
Latest statistics show 4,016 students in public institutions and 710 in private ones are enrolled in bachelor’s degree sports programmes.
To support athletes, the ministry offers the Federal Sports Scholarship, which has benefited 1,349 recipients up to 2025.
This initiative will continue in 2026 with an allocation of RM2 million.
