SHAH ALAM, Aug 25 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has expressed its intention to retain volunteers from the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) for next year’s SEA Games.
SUKMA 2026 and Para SUKMA Organising Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari conveyed the matter to him during a brief discussion after the closing ceremony last night.
Najwan, who is also the state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship, said the SUKMA Secretariat will work with the state government to hold further discussions on coordinating volunteers’ participation in line with the SEA Games’ needs and capacity.
“The SEA Games are a Southeast Asian sporting event, so there may be requirements at venues or locations hosting events in Selangor. This is where we can involve our volunteers to support the Games.
“Of the more than 10,000 volunteers who served during SUKMA, we intend to identify suitable candidates. The secretariat will first work with the Selangor State Youth and Sports Department to streamline the process,” he told the media after the 22nd SUKMA closing ceremony last night, which was officiated by the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Shah.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari were also in attendance.
Najwan added that KBS' proposal recognised the volunteers’ contribution and commitment in helping make the 22nd SUKMA a success.
Meanwhile, he said Selangor’s haul of 101 gold medals at the 22nd SUKMA had set a new benchmark for the state to defend in future editions.
The Selangor Sports Council (MSNS) had initially set a target of 80 gold medals, but the athletes’ outstanding performance exceeded it by 21.
“Winning 101 gold medals is a remarkable achievement. We initially aimed for 80, but our athletes performed beyond expectations after reaching that target, adding another 21 golds. So, 101 is a good figure,” Najwan said.
Preparations to retain the overall title would begin immediately after the 22nd SUKMA, with the MSNS initially focusing on preparations for the Para SUKMA.
He said the facilities used throughout the 22nd SUKMA will also be made available to para athletes as part of their preparations for the upcoming Games.
