SABAK BERNAM, June 14 — The 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and PARA SUKMA 2026 Torch Run Tour continued to receive an encouraging response, with approximately 1,500 participants taking part in the programme at Dataran Bagan Terap today.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB) is the fourth local authority to host the torch run series ahead of the SUKMA 2026 Games.
The impressive turnout from various segments of society reflects Selangor residents' enthusiasm for welcoming the nation’s largest sporting event, which will take place in August.
“This programme involves every district and local authority in Selangor as part of the state government’s efforts to engage and connect with communities at the grassroots level, while also fostering excitement as the host of SUKMA 2026.
“Alhamdulillah (God be praised), the response has been extremely encouraging and has exceeded expectations, thanks to the close cooperation of all parties, including the SUKMA Secretariat, and the continuous commitment demonstrated throughout this tour series,” he said.
Najwan was speaking to the media after witnessing the ceremonial handover of the torch from Kuala Selangor Municipal Council president Mohamad Hanafe Basri to MDSB president Awaluddin Zakaria.
During the event, the councillor also took part in the 5km torch run alongside other participants.
Also in attendance was the Selangor SUKMA Secretariat's chief executive officer Dato' Mohd Yazid Sairi and state executive councillor for rural development Datuk Rizam Ismail.
He added that Sabak Bernam has also been selected to host the chess competition during SUKMA 2026, expressing hope that the event will generate positive economic spill-over effects for the local community through the arrival of athletes, officials, and supporters from across the country.
Najwan also encouraged the public to continue supporting the SUKMA 2026 Torch Run Tour, which will continue across eight more local authorities.
The tour began at Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam, on May 10 as part of efforts to build sporting excitement ahead of SUKMA and PARA SUKMA 2026.
Following Sabak Bernam, the tour will proceed to Hulu Selangor on Sunday (June 21), followed by Selayang, Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, and Kuala Langat, before concluding in Sepang on August 9.
SUKMA Selangor 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 15 to August 24, while PARA SUKMA 2026 will be held from September 5 to September 14.
