KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia is preparing to field one of its largest-ever contingents at the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December, with more than 1,000 athletes and officials expected to make the trip.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria confirmed that the selection process is nearly complete, with the official list due by September 1. “We are confident that the full contingent, including athletes and officials, will exceed 1,000,” Norza said. “Some final decisions hinge on ongoing competitions this month, but we are ready. If the number surpasses 1,000, it will mark one of Malaysia’s biggest squads in SEA Games history.”
Malaysia’s largest contingent to date was recorded during the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Games, when the host nation fielded 1,139 participants — 845 athletes and 294 officials. For comparison, the 2019 Philippines Games saw 1,112 participants (772 athletes and 340 officials), while last year’s edition in Cambodia involved a smaller group of 914 (677 athletes and 237 officials).
The 2025 Games in Thailand will feature 49 sports, and the Malaysian team will be finalised under two categories: Category A for athletes who qualified through tournaments, and Category B for those approved under development programmes.
Beyond performance, safety has also become a key consideration following recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The July 24 clashes left at least 43 people dead and displaced over 300,000 civilians. Although a ceasefire was declared on August 7, Norza assured that the welfare of Malaysian athletes remains the top priority.
“The safety and welfare of our athletes and officials will never be compromised,” he said, adding that OCM is working closely with international federations and local organisers to ensure a secure environment for the delegation.
Norza made the remarks during the OCM-SportsUnite-U R My Bro Unity Under-18 Futsal Datuk Santokh Singh Cup final in Puchong over the weekend, where Court Soccer B clinched the inaugural title with a 3-1 win over CNS Gym FT.
Malaysia’s strong preparations signal both ambition and caution — aiming for sporting excellence while safeguarding its athletes on and off the field.
