Malaysia on Friday decided against hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games because of the cost, the government said, in a fresh blow to an event seen as outdated by some.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports announced the government's decision not to accept an offer from the Commonwealth Games Federation to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Minister Hannah Yeoh said in a statement that the hosting offer was not expected by the country.

Yeoh noted that the government wants to focus on the development of sports as well as the welfare and well-being of the people of Malaysia.

The decision, made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, follows the withdrawal of the Australian state of Victoria last year.

Similarly, the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil said at a press conference that when Malaysia assessed the viability of hosting the Games, and the length of time needed to prepare, the government decided that the cost was seen to be particularly prohibitive.

Fadzil stressed that it was not a missed opportunity, noting that Malaysia did not consider the hosting of the games as an opportunity.

The Commonwealth Games Federation is scrambling to find a host after Victoria withdrew last July because of soaring costs.

It also offered Malaysia and other potential hosts 100 million pounds to step in with just over two years to go until the Games are supposed to take place. #