Malaysia will need around 14,000 volunteers to help stage the 2027 SEA Games, which will be held across Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor and Penang from Sept 18 to 29 next year.
Malaysia SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2027 Organising Secretariat (MASOC) chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Rashid Yaakub said between 5,000 and 8,000 volunteers would be required for the Kuala Lumpur cluster alone.
“Penang may need around 2,000 volunteers, while Sarawak may require between 5,000 and 6,000. The total could reach around 14,000 people across all four SEA Games clusters,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
The organisers will also require another 5,000 volunteers for the 2027 ASEAN Para Games, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 17 to 23.
Abdul Rashid said volunteers for the Para Games would require additional skills, particularly in assisting and handling athletes with disabilities.
Applications to volunteer for both sporting events will open on Dec 5 and will be open to people of all ages, including those from overseas.
MASOC is also targeting international students and other foreigners who can communicate in the languages spoken by participating countries.
Abdul Rashid said around 1,000 pre-registration applications for the two events had already been received through government initiatives, including the MADANI Kita programme.
Volunteers will not only receive official clothing but may also be provided with accommodation, food and transportation throughout the Games.
He encouraged Malaysians to take part, saying the country had a strong reputation for hosting major sporting events and that public enthusiasm could help make the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games a success.
“With Malaysians’ willingness to be involved in sports, I am confident many will want to participate. So I invite everyone to join as volunteers for the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games,” he said.
