SABAK BERNAM, June 15 — The 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) will proceed in a prudent and cost-conscious manner in line with the decree of the Sultan of Selangor.
Selangor executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the state government is implementing various cost-saving measures to ensure allocations are focused on organising the sporting events.
He said the approach includes reducing expenditure on ancillary programmes and leveraging cooperation with local authorities and existing government agencies.
"We are moving towards greater cost efficiency. That is why, if we look at ceremonial programmes such as the Torch Run, we are not organising them on a large scale.
"We are working together with local authorities to assist in the implementation. If we wanted to make it more elaborate, we could engage event management companies, but the costs would be high," he said.
He was speaking after officiating the Hijrah Innovation & Growth Hub at Ruang Daya Cipta Sabak Bernam, established by Hijrah Selangor to help strengthen the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem, here yesterday.
Mohd Najwan said the use of resources and expertise from government departments and agencies would enable the state to reduce organisational costs without affecting the smooth running of the Games.
"We are adopting various methods to reduce costs and channel SUKMA allocations towards ensuring the success of the sporting events. That remains our main focus," he said.
In a related development, he said there had been no changes to the competition venues that had been determined earlier, including the chess event, which will be held in Sabak Bernam.
He said that although the district does not have facilities comparable to larger cities, it has halls that are suitable and capable of accommodating the competition.
"We expect between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors to attend the chess event, including participants, family members and supporters from across the country.
"Their presence will support the local ecosystem, such as homestays and food businesses, while at the same time promoting Sabak Bernam as a tourism destination," he said.
The 22nd edition of SUKMA will be held from August 15 to 24, while PARA SUKMA is scheduled from September 5 to 10.
A total of 469 events across 37 sports will be contested in nine districts involving 52 competition venues, while PARA SUKMA will feature 10 sports and 316 events in the Petaling and Klang districts.
