KUCHING: Sarawak is holding firm to its position that the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) should proceed as scheduled this August despite calls for postponement.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said extensive preparations and financial commitments make postponement impractical at this stage.
He said that significant resources have already been invested, including logistics, accommodation bookings, and training programmes for athletes, some of whom were sent overseas.
“From Sarawak’s perspective, even before the April 30 meeting, we hope SUKMA will go on. So much has already been spent in preparation.”
Abdul Karim told the media this at the Baitulmakmur 2 building here on Thursday (April 23).
He warned that delaying the Games could disadvantage athletes, especially those nearing the age limit of 21, potentially excluding them from participation entirely.
He added that uncertainty surrounding the duration of the Middle East conflict makes it difficult to determine a suitable alternative timeline for the Games.
The state’s position aligns with both the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) and the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), reflecting a unified stance.
He also highlighted that preparations by host state Selangor are already at an advanced stage,
with key arrangements expected to be largely completed.
“With SUKMA just three months away, everything, from the opening ceremony to accommodation and sporting logistics, should already be in place.”
He noted that proceeding as planned would honour the efforts of athletes, organisers, and stakeholders who have invested time, energy, and financial resources.
While acknowledging the suggestion by the Sultan of Selangor to postpone the Games, Abdul
Karim stressed that any decision must consider its impact on all participating states.
“It is not only Sarawak that has prepared. All states have incurred substantial costs, and many deposits are non-refundable.”
He added that training efforts, including those conducted abroad, would be rendered ineffective if the Games are postponed.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim clarified that the upcoming visit by federal Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari to Sarawak was pre-arranged and unrelated to the SUKMA issue.
The visit, scheduled from April 28 to 29, will include inspections of key sports facilities and a community engagement programme in Semaba.
A final decision on whether SUKMA 2026 will proceed as scheduled is expected after the SUKMA Executive Committee meeting on April 30.
