SHAH ALAM, April 27 — The state government will present proposed cost-saving measures for hosting the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 to the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al Haj on Wednesday (April 29), in line with the Ruler's directive for prudent management of the event’s expenditure.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the royal audience is crucial to detailing cost-saving approaches without compromising the main objectives of hosting the games.
“InsyaAllah (God willing), this Wednesday, I, together with the Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, will have an audience with His Royal Highness to present the preparations and plans, including cost-saving measures for organising SUKMA.
“We will also outline expenditure utilisation and proposals to reduce SUKMA management costs in a more prudent manner,” he said during a media conference at the State Secretariat Building today.
Najwan added that further details on the proposals would only be announced after the audience.
“However, it is more appropriate for us to elaborate on these adjustments after the audience with His Royal Highness. At present, the organisation of SUKMA is within an expenditure framework of around RM100 million, but this figure will be refined through cost-saving measures and optimisation in line with the Sultan's directive.
"We expect the overall cost to be reduced further without affecting the organisation of the games,” he said.
The councillor noted that the state government remains committed to ensuring the Games proceed smoothly, with a focus on athlete development and high-quality competition.
“Our main focus is to ensure the competitions run smoothly, provide opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents, and serve as a platform to uncover new potential.
“Ceremonial elements such as opening and closing ceremonies can be simplified without compromising the quality of the event,” Najwan said.
The outcomes from discussions with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will be brought to the SUKMA Supreme Committee meeting for input and consensus from other states.
“After the audience, we will present the outcomes at the Supreme Committee meeting on April 30 for finalisation. For now, we are maintaining the 37 sports as previously agreed, but the overall cost of organisation will be adjusted,” he said.
Meanwhile, the upgrading works for sports facilities across Selangor's 12 local authorities will continue as they provide long-term benefits to the public.
“These upgrades are not solely for SUKMA, but for continued use by sports associations and the community.
“So far, the upgrading progress of key facilities such as the Shah Alam Aquatic Centre has reached nearly 80 per cent and is expected to be completed next month,” he said.
Yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin granted consent for SUKMA 2026 to proceed in a prudent and cost-conscious manner, as announced by KBS, following a briefing by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday (April 23).
