Malaysia increases emergency funding for SEA Games 33 after Thailand changes competition venue

VHO - In response to Thailand having to relocate the 33rd SEA Games due to flooding in the South, the National Sports Council of Malaysia quickly approved an additional payment of more than 500,000 Malaysian Ringgits to cover all costs arising from the emergency relocation of the competition venue.

Sports Malaysia has spent more than 500,000 Malaysian Ringits to cover all expenses incurred at the 33rd SEA Games.

The National Sports Council of Malaysia (NSC) has quickly spent more than 500,000 Malaysian Ringits (about 2.65 billion VND) to cover all costs incurred after Thailand changed the competition venue at the 33rd SEA Games.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, with the aim of ensuring that athletes are not affected physically and mentally by factors beyond their control.

The change of venue forced 206 Malaysian athletes and officials to urgently move from Songkhla to 2 provinces/cities, Bangkok and Chonburi, just a few days before the 33rd SEA Games officially kicked off. The affected sports include: Weightlifting, Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Men's Football, Chess, Judo, Kabaddi, Karate, Petanque, Wushu and Wrestling.

Despite facing the challenge of changing the venue of the 33rd SEA Games, Malaysia still maintained a stable spirit thanks to the quick decision of the NSC.

In another development, Sarawak state - which will host the 34th SEA Games in 2027 - has allocated a budget of up to 350 million Malaysian Ringgit (about 1,855 billion VND) to prepare for the next Sports Festival, which is expected to host 17 sports and the Opening Ceremony.

This budget will include comprehensive promotional campaigns, training and coordination for working committees, along with the provision of equipment that meets the highest technical standards of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF).

Mr. Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Development of Sarawak, said that this funding is not only for the organization, but also a strategy to promote culture, boost tourism and create momentum for long-term socio-economic development.

Sarawak Stadium - the venue for the 34th SEA Games Opening Ceremony - will be comprehensively upgraded to ensure a sustainable sporting legacy after the games.

In addition, the state's sports system is also being heavily invested with 290 Sports Development Centres, nearly 6,000 athletes and nearly 300 coaches, aiming to make Sarawak the leading sports centre in Malaysia.

Preparations for the 34th SEA Games are taking place systematically, promising to bring a tournament that is not only professional but also contributes to the sustainable development of Southeast Asian sports.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/malaysia-tang-kinh-phi-khan-cap-cho-sea-games-33-sau-khi-thai-lan-doi-dia-diem-thi-dau-185657.html