SHAH ALAM, April 10 — The Malaysian Games (SUKMA) isn’t just a domestic sporting event, but also an arena where national athletes grow, said sports analyst Datuk Pekan Ramli.
He added that the event mustn’t be disrupted even amid current economic pressures.
He also said the continuity of SUKMA is important as it is where young athletes are tested and shaped before they step onto bigger stages like the SEA Games.
Malaysia, he said, isn’t in a war or conflict situation, so there is no need to consider postponing SUKMA Selangor 2026.
“Postponing SUKMA 2026 will only compromise the state’s meticulous planning and athletes who are making early preparations, and risks disrupting training momentums and performance-building.
“This event is important as a platform to prepare athletes for the SEA Games 2027 Kuala Lumpur, while providing room for new talent,” he said when contacted by Media Selangor.
However, he said he recognises there are cost challenges that could further rise if the West Asia conflict continues, especially in terms of flight ticket prices for Sabah and Sarawak contingents and teams that depend on air travel.
Pekan also said SUKMA is an “early sieve” to identify athletes who can truly compete at the international level.
“Athletes shouldn’t just be SUKMA champions, but must work to shine till they reach international stages by improving their performance quality, training discipline, and competitiveness,” he added.
Yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said SUKMA Selangor 2026 will go on from August 15 to 24 even amid the global energy crisis and economic pressures.
He said the decision was made during a meeting yesterday by the SUKMA Supreme Committee, which also agreed the event should continue on a smaller scale to save costs.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the Selangor government would pursue moderation in organising the biennial event by optimising spending without compromising the quality of the event and athlete readiness.
He added that comprehensive cost controls will be implemented, including by reducing non-critical elements for the opening and closing ceremonies.
SUKMA Selangor 2026 will take place from August 15 to 24 with the opening ceremony to be held at Sepang International Circuit, while Para SUKMA will run from September 5 to 14.
