SHAH ALAM, Aug 14 — Some 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA) at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam tomorrow night, with a host of activities lined up for the celebration.
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated), or MBI, group chief executive officer Dato’ Saipolyazan M Yusop said holding the ceremony in an open space would offer a different experience, allowing spectators to watch the contingents parade and get closer to the athletes.
“In the past, when it was held in a stadium, we sat in the stands and watched them parade around the track before gathering in the middle.
“This time, visitors will be very close to the athletes who will be competing. I think that interaction will provide a new experience for those attending,” he said during Media Selangor’s ‘Bicara Semasa’ programme.
Saipolyazan said the approach was in line with the aim of making athletes the main focus of the Games while allowing the public to be part of the excitement surrounding the opening ceremony.
The ceremony will feature a parade of 15 contingents, including Brunei, with about 45 to 50 athletes from each team, as well as the flag-raising ceremony and oath-taking.
Among the highlights will be the lighting of the Games torch, which is expected to involve an athlete described as one of the most successful in Selangor’s SUKMA history.
“God-willing, if everything goes according to plan, the torch will be lit by an athlete who is among the most successful in Selangor’s SUKMA history.
“The athlete was also involved 28 years ago and is now a coach. This shows that we are celebrating those who became champions and are now coaching champions,” he said.
The opening-night festivities will also feature performances by five artistes, with songs selected to suit the SUKMA 2026 theme and appeal to visitors across generations.
Beyond the stage performances, visitors can also enjoy the Platform Selangor (PLATS) Fiesta, which begins at 3 pm today at Padang B.
The fiesta provides PLATS entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products, generate sales and build business networks amid the expected presence of tens of thousands of visitors.
The public is also encouraged to use public transport to reach the opening ceremony, keep abreast of announcements on parking arrangements and follow instructions from security personnel.
Saipolyazan urged Selangor residents to turn out and support their respective contingents while joining in the celebrations as SUKMA returns to the state after 28 years.
“This year’s SUKMA will create lasting memories and belongs not only to Selangor but to Malaysians throughout the country.
“Let us support our respective teams and make sure the excitement of SUKMA 2026 becomes a memorable experience for everyone,” he said.
