SHAH ALAM, Aug 4 — The Malaysian Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026 will catalyse local economic growth and drive sports tourism in the state, said state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
He said that as host of the biennial tournament, Selangor wants to take advantage of the opportunity to help small entrepreneurs, homestay operators and the tourism sector to generate revenue.
He added that although the state government is using its own funds for the effort, it is doing so as SUKMA would directly impact the economic ecosystem.
“SUKMA is two-pronged. We want to develop the sports industry and it can help us economically, meaning that with (SUKMA), small traders, entrepreneurs will benefit, and so will homestay, hotel, accommodation and transport service operators.
“Sports tourism is our focus, that’s why we wanted to be hosts.
“Many don’t see the impact. When we organise sports tournaments, external ecosystems and communities benefit,” he said on Selangor FM today.
SUKMA Selangor 2026 will be held from August 15 to 24 with 469 events in 37 sports, while Para SUKMA will be held from September 5 to 14 with 316 events in 10 sports. The opening ceremony will be held at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam.
In addition to 14 Malaysian contingents, Brunei has been invited as a guest contingent.
Selangor is targeting 80 gold medals this year.
