By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, July 8 — The Selangor government is not planning to build new venues for the Malaysian Games (Sukma) 2026, said state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
He added that the administration is focusing on upgrading existing stadiums and repairing other sports venues to ensure the success of the biennial event.
“The Sukma Secretariat has identified competition venues as sporting facilities that will be used (for Sukma).
“There is no need to build new venues, and this is seen as more efficient in terms of cost savings… All competition venues will be upgraded and repaired according to set standards,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_369733" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari receives the Malaysian Games (Sukma) championship flag from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg as a symbolic gesture of Selangor’s role as Sukma 2026 host, during the closing ceremony of the 21st Sukma at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, on August 24, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Najwan was responding to Gombak Setia assemblyman Hilman Idham’s question about the state government’s preparation status as Sukma 2026 host, at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
He added that to be upgraded are three main facilities — the Selangor Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre, the National Shooting Range in Subang, and the Bukit Tinggi 2 Basketball Court Hall in Klang.
Najwan said Sukma 2026 organisation costs involve RM250 million in funds for the organising secretariat, athlete preparation, technical readiness and competition equipment, in addition to the athlete village, logistics, transport, media and promotion, protocols, awards, souvenirs, security, emergency services, and the opening and closing ceremonies.
“The state government will only give RM100 million to the Sukma 2026, and to manage this high cost, the administration will pool sponsorships from state and private subsidiaries for (Sukma 2026),” he added.
