ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has expressed its intention to co-host the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games by providing several venues for football events within the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah stated that the proposal is leveraged on the state’s world-class football facilities, which have convenient access to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. He emphasized that while Penang and Sarawak have already offered venues for various sporting events, Johor is keen on organizing the football segment by proposing more than three venues, including the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium, Mount Austin Football Stadium, and Pasir Gudang City Council Stadium in Johor Bahru.

Mohd Hairi further elaborated that the plan awaits the consent and guidance of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, particularly concerning the costs involved in organizing the sport. Malaysia has taken the de
cision to accept the SEA Games Federation’s (SEAGF) offer to host the 2027 SEA Games, with Sarawak and Penang leading the joint bid.

Additionally, Mohd Hairi revealed that Johor is determined to reclaim the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) overall title during the 2026 edition, which will be hosted by Selangor. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Selangor, a state known for its competitive edge in sports, but remains optimistic about securing a top-three position. In the previous SUKMA held in Kuala Lumpur in 2022, Johor emerged as the overall champion, securing 77 gold, 52 silver, and 43 bronze medals, with canoeing being the top contributor to their gold medal tally. However, the canoeing event did not feature in the SUKMA held in Sarawak last August.