SHAH ALAM, Nov 15 — The state government has given assurance that all sports facilities upgraded for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026 will be properly maintained to support other major events in the future, including the 2029 Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG).
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said continued maintenance is vital to ensure the facilities meet the standards required to host other prestigious games and provide long-term benefits for the local community.
“The upgrading of sports infrastructure is not limited to Sukma’s needs alone, but can also benefit the wider community and support the growth of grassroots sports,” he told Media Selangor.
According to Najwan, the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Section 13 here, which is undergoing upgrading works, will be open to the public upon its completion and serve as a training centre for state athletes.
"Others being upgraded for Sukma are the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium, several facilities in Petaling Jaya, as well as those managed by local authorities.
"We have three years after Sukma 2026 to ensure all infrastructure are good condition for ISG 2029."
On Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari’s 2026 Selangor Budget announcement of a RM1 million allocation for creative economy development, Najwan described it as a crucial boost for the state’s creative ecosystem.
“This month, we will announce the Creative Economy Action Plan. At the same time, the allocation will be used to build and strengthen the creative economy ecosystem, including providing incentives, grants, or seed funding for youths involved in this sector,” he said.
Najwan said the outcomes of the action plan are expected to be seen within four to five years, particularly in creating new job opportunities for young people in Selangor.
“We are focusing on all districts, including rural areas that have strong creative potential, such as Wau Cagat in Kuala Selangor and Songkok Malaya artisans operating in Sabak Bernam. This proves that the creative economy is not only thriving in urban areas but also in rural communities."
Yesterday, Amirudin tabled the RM3.23 billion state budget, covering both operating and development expenditures for next year.
