SHAH ALAM, Aug 21 — The hosting of the Selangor 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) has run smoothly without any major issues since the biennial national multi-sport event officially kicked off on Saturday (August 15).
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that although some issues were raised by participating contingents, the majority were resolved without adversely affecting any party.
“Alhamdulillah (God be praised), it is normal with such games that issues inevitably arise, but we have been able to handle and manage most of them.
“While it may not be 100 per cent perfect, we have at least managed to address the matters that came up during the Selangor 2026 Games and Alhamdulillah, we are now entering the final three or four days…and I believe the excitement will continue to build,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking to the media during the breakfast event with the SUKMA 2026 contingent leaders today.
Also present were executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi and Selangor contingent head Abbas Salimmi Che Adzmi.
He added that traffic congestion remains a challenge for the Games, given that some competition venues are located in the city centre and busy areas, particularly during peak hours.
“Congestion is a common issue in Selangor. We extend our gratitude to the traffic teams for their assistance especially when the venues are in the city centre, near congested areas held during peak hours,” Amirudin said.
He noted that the matter was swiftly addressed through more flexible scheduling of competitions to ensure that the contingents’ travel to venues is not disrupted.
“So far, there have been no incidents of late arrivals, DQ (disqualifications), or cancellations due to delays,” Amirudin said.
Commenting on athlete accommodations, the Menteri Besar said Selangor introduced a lodging subsidy concept rather than establishing a centralised athletes’ village.
He acknowledged that this approach has both advantages and disadvantages but it offers contingents the flexibility to choose accommodation suited to competition venues.
“The benefit is that we avoid managing a massive athletes’ village and potential complications though it does mean the athletes are somewhat more dispersed.
“I believe it offers the athletes some flexibility and could serve as an advantage, allowing them to choose a location that could be halfway between specific venues,” Amirudin said.
Simultaneously, he also assured that professionalism remains a priority throughout the Games, including in events involving subjective judging.
“Other issues involved dissatisfaction with specific events, particularly subjective ones. We have received very few complaints or criticisms from any parties.
“So far, only the Selangor team lodged a complaint regarding the archery event even though our protest was ultimately unsuccessful.
“Alhamdullilah, I believe that there is bias often associated with subjective sports in which the host is perceived to have an advantage. I can say it did not occur in Selangor, and we can guarantee that we will demonstrate professionalism in managing the Games,” Amirudin said.
As of 10pm last night, Selangor was leading the medal tally with 42 gold, 42 silver, and 30 bronze medals, bringing their total to 114 medals.
The 22nd SUKMA is taking place from August 15 to August 24, featuring 474 events across 37 sports held at 52 venues spanning nine districts.
The Para SUKMA is scheduled for September 5 to September 10, featuring 10 sports and 316 events in the Petaling and Klang districts.
