SHAH ALAM, Apr 24 — Sarawak wants the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 to proceed as scheduled despite a proposal by the Sultan of Selangor to postpone the event.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the stance takes into account the extensive preparations and significant commitments already undertaken by all states and athletes.
“We respect the proposal by Tuanku (Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj), but we must also look at this matter from various perspectives.
“It is not only Sarawak that has made preparations for SUKMA. All states in Malaysia have prepared for this event,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Borneo.
He said substantial costs had already been incurred, including bookings for accommodation, logistics and athlete training.
“Significant expenses have been made in preparation for SUKMA, including hotels, homestays and training.
“Deposits have been paid and many of our athletes have been sent abroad, including to China and Taiwan,” he said.
He added that postponement could also affect athletes who are subject to the participation age limit of 21.
“If the event is postponed to next year or later, many athletes will exceed the age limit and lose the opportunity to compete.
“So my hope is that SUKMA proceeds. Even though it involves millions of ringgit, it is better that we continue,” he said.
In a related development, he said the visit by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari to Kuching at the end of this month had been planned earlier.
“This may be his first visit here since being appointed as Youth and Sports Minister.
“On the sidelines, as he will be here, the SUKMA issue may be raised, but informally,” he said.
The SUKMA Executive Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on April 30 to gather views from all states before a final decision is made.
On April 20, the Sultan of Selangor proposed that the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026 be postponed until the crisis in West Asia subsides and the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.
His Royal Highness said the biennial event requires a very high allocation amid current economic conditions.
“In the current economic situation, I am of the view that it would be more appropriate for the event to be postponed until the crisis in West Asia is resolved and the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed,” he said.
