ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has expressed interest in co-hosting the 2027 SEA Games by offering several football venues, aiming to contribute to Malaysia’s bid alongside Sarawak and Penang.
Johor Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development, and Cooperatives Committee chairman, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, highlighted the state’s world-class football facilities and its strategic location with easy access to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Among the proposed venues are Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium, Mount Austin Football Stadium, and Pasir Gudang City Council Stadium, all in Johor Bahru.
The offer is still pending approval from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and consideration of the costs involved. Malaysia has already accepted the SEA Games Federation’s (SEAGF) invitation to host the 2027 SEA Games, with Johor supporting the bid alongside Sarawak and Penang.
In addition to the SEA Games bid, Mohd Hairi shared Johor’s goal of reclaiming the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) overall title at the 2026 edition in Selangor.
Johor previously triumphed as champions in the 2022 SUKMA, winning 77 golds, 52 silvers, and 43 bronzes, with canoeing contributing significantly to the medal haul.
However, canoeing was not part of the 2023 SUKMA in Sarawak, and Johor faces stiff competition from Selangor in the upcoming games. Despite the challenge, Johor aims to secure a top-three finish.
