Malaysia’s largest-ever SEA Games contingent of 1,688 members will travel to Songkhla by land via UUM for better rest and logistics
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council has chosen land transportation for Malaysia’s contingent traveling to Songkhla for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
MSN director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the decision followed multiple meetings with sports associations and contingent management.
He noted the proximity of Songkhla province to the Malaysian border influenced the travel arrangement.
MSN conducted discussions with the Malaysian Consulate in Songkhla, Universiti Utara Malaysia in Sintok, and the Immigration Department regarding logistical matters.
“The contingent will stay one night at UUM before proceeding to Songkhla,” Jefri said after a sponsorship signing ceremony witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The journey to Songkhla takes approximately six hours from Kuala Lumpur, with only about ninety minutes required from the border.
“This gives our athletes longer rest time,” he explained.
Athletes will depart three days before their events instead of two days depending on competition schedules.
Malaysia will send 1,688 contingent members including 1,166 athletes to the 2025 SEA Games.
This represents the nation’s largest participation in the history of the biennial event.
Sports contested in Songkhla include football, chess, kabaddi, karate and pencak silat.
The Thailand 2025 SEA Games will run from December 9 to 20 across three provinces.
Besides Songkhla, competitions will also take place in Bangkok and Chonburi. – Bernama
