SHAH ALAM, Feb 24 — Selangor has applied for additional funding from the Federal government through the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) following the rising cost of hosting the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), which is estimated to reach RM200 million.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the state government has allocated RM100 million so far, but the increase in the number of events from 28 to 37 sports carries significant financial implications for the overall cost of staging the biennial games.
“We have allocated RM100 million, but the total estimate has reached RM200 million. With the addition of nine new sports, there are certainly financial implications.
“That is why we are seeking the consideration of the Federal government through KBS to channel additional funding to Selangor,” he told the media after chairing the 22nd SUKMA and Selangor Para SUKMA Implementation Committee Meeting at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre today.
Najwan added that 12 local authorities have allocated nearly RM50 million to upgrade sports facilities and infrastructure in preparation for SUKMA 2026.
“Alhamdulillah (God be praised), at the local authority level, infrastructure, and sports facilities are in a state of readiness. The main focus is the Aquatic Centre, which has now reached approximately 30 per cent completion and is expected to be completed between late May and early June,” he said.
In a related development, the councillor said the selection of an event management company to handle the opening and closing ceremonies of SUKMA 2026 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is now at its final stage.
“We are in the process of deciding on the company to be appointed to manage the SUKMA opening and closing ceremonies. All interested event management companies have been brought to visit the site and asked to submit proposals on suitable concepts and themes.
"A decision is expected to be made soon and, InsyaAllah (God willing), they will begin work in March,” Najwan said.
The 22nd SUKMA is scheduled to take place from August 15 to August 24, with the opening ceremony at the Sepang International Circuit, while Para SUKMA will be held from September 15 to September 20.
Ten sports will be contested at Para SUKMA: swimming, athletics, badminton, table tennis, tenpin bowling, lawn bowls, archery, chess, boccia, and powerlifting.
