SHAH ALAM, June 23 — The Selangor government will soon finalise the venues for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and Para SUKMA, with cost savings among the key considerations.
Sports executive councillor Mohd Najwan Halimi said the approach is intended to ensure greater focus on the organisation of sporting events, in line with the earlier decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
“The SUKMA opening ceremony will be held together with the Para SUKMA opening ceremony. This is part of our approach to achieve cost savings,” he told Media Selangor.
Earlier, the Petronas Sepang International Circuit was announced as the venue for the opening of the biennial games, which 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.
On April 20, Sultan Sharafuddin proposed that the hosting of SUKMA Selangor 2026 be postponed until the West Asia crisis is resolved and the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.
His Royal Highness said the proposal was made as the organisation of the biennial games would require a substantial allocation amid current economic conditions.
However, the Sultan later consented to the games proceeding in a prudent and cost-effective manner after receiving a briefing from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Najwan said the state is also in the process of seeking additional funding to recruit about 5,000 more volunteers for the Games, while also serving as tourism ambassadors to promote attractions across Selangor.
He explained that the figure is in addition to the 5,000 volunteers announced previously.
