SHAH ALAM, April 24 — Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lim Yi Wei has proposed that the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor be organised on a more modest scale with cost-saving measures, including cancelling the opening and closing ceremonies.
She said this approach will allow the event to proceed professionally while taking into account the current economic climate.
“From an economic perspective, hosting SUKMA and Para SUKMA across various districts will create a multiplier effect. Hotels and homestay operators, the food and beverage sector, retail businesses, and tourism product providers are all eagerly anticipating the arrival of contingents from across the country.
“This championship is a golden opportunity to generate domestic consumption, especially for small and medium enterprises.
“It is unfortunate for food stall operators who see the stadium beautifully upgraded, but there is no crowd due to the postponement of SUKMA,” she said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Lim, who is also the Selangor Rugby Union’s president, urged the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to allocate additional funding for the event.
“I need to correct the perception that has been raised, as if KBS expects the state government, as host, to bear 100 per cent of the SUKMA costs.
“In fact, there has been flexibility as KBS previously approved an additional allocation of RM152 million to upgrade sports facilities for SUKMA 2018 in Perak, and RM50 million for SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak, so it is not unusual for the SUKMA Supreme Committee to agree on an injection of funds for SUKMA Selangor 2026,” she said.
Previously, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj suggested that SUKMA 2026 be postponed until the crisis in West Asia subsides and the construction of the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed, citing the high cost of organising the games amid current economic conditions.
Moreover, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said a final decision on the hosting of SUKMA Selangor 2026 is expected after a special committee meeting scheduled on April 30.
