SEPANG, Aug 9 — Selangor will keep ramping up excitement for the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) despite financial constraints arising from economic uncertainties due to the West Asia conflict, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He added that the approach is in line with Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj’s advice to focus SUKMA festivities at competition venues instead of costly large-scale events.
“As advised by His Royal Highness, we will try to enliven activities at the competition venues rather than hold centralised events like grand opening and closing ceremonies,” he said after closing the SUKMA Torch Run, held during the Sepang Car-Free Day and SUKMA and Para SUKMA Volunteers’ Mega Gathering, at the Sepang International Circuit here today.
Amirudin said all districts in Selangor would play a role in hosting SUKMA, including districts that are only hosting single events.
“This competition is for us to make it festive and turn it into a competition to remember, one that is well organised and leaves participants and those involved with fond memories,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said various quarters including local authorities, assemblymen and government-linked companies (GLCs) have come forward as patrons for specific sports contested at SUKMA.
“Some patrons assist in terms of transport, some help in terms of (providing) training venues. Some also provide other facilities and most give financial support for each competition.
“The unity between quarters has let us successfully manage these games, even though this time there are some constraints compared with previous (editions), because previous hosts received some financial support from the federal government,” he added.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the RM42 million rebranded Selangor Aquatic was completed within eight months.
Previously known as the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre, the facility is now equipped with internationally benchmarked technology, including a sensor system capable of detecting swimmers’ movements and touches at the finish line.
“It detects each movement of the swimmers, including their touches at the base or at the sensor area we have prepared, and this meets international sports standards. We are proud of the work that has been done,” he said.
Amirudin also thanked Selangor’s local authorities involved in upgrading competition venues across the state.
He said the upgrades were supported by private companies, alongside allocations from local authorities and the state government, to ensure competition facilities meet required standards.
“After this, our challenge is the (execution of SUKMA), and that is why we are meeting with the volunteers today — because they will be a very important part of ensuring a smooth, effective and well-organised event,” Amirudin said.
