Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia An allocation of RM240 million has been set aside for Malaysia's preparations to host the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that these prestigious sporting events should be used to enhance the country's international standing and foster unity among Malaysians. He made these remarks while presenting the 2027 Budget, themed 'Reaching for the Sky, Rooted in the Ground,' in the Dewan Rakyat.

The 2027 SEA Games are scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor, and Penang from September 18 to 29. The ASEAN Para Games will follow in Kuala Lumpur from October 17 to 23.

In addition, Anwar announced a significant allocation of RM460 million for national sports development. This budget will focus on strengthening high-performance sports programs, the Road to Gold initiative, programs for para athletes and deaf sports, and the upkeep of sports facilities across the country.

The government has also set aside RM30 million for the Sports Matching Grant, which aims to encourage sports associations, clubs, and non-governmental organizations to organize high-performance sporting events. Furthermore, funding for school sports activities has been increased by 50 percent to RM27 million, benefiting over 4.6 million pupils in 10,000 schools nationwide.

Additionally, Anwar congratulated the Malaysian contingent for their performance at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, where they won nine gold, seven silver, and 16 bronze medals, matching their medal tally from the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. He expressed his gratitude to the athletes, coaches, and support personnel for bringing glory to the country.