KUCHING: Volunteers are vital in ensuring the smooth delivery of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026, with confidence in the host state’s ability to manage the event.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said volunteers play an important role in supporting operations at major sporting events such as SUKMA and the SEA Games.
However, he said he was not in a position to comment extensively on the recent decision by organisers to reduce the number of volunteers for the upcoming SUKMA in Selangor.
“I find it difficult to give a firm view on this matter. In any major sports event, the role of volunteers is very important in ensuring smooth organisation,” he told reporters at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre after the 61st MILO/PRAM MIAG Diving Championships 2026 closing ceremony on Sunday (May 10).
He added that although volunteers are crucial, he believes the host state has its own planning mechanisms to ensure the Games are not affected.
“We give space to the host state, Selangor. I believe they have ways to ensure that the reduction will not affect the organisation of the Games,” he said.
Abdul Karim was commenting on the reduction of SUKMA 2026 volunteers from 30,000 to 5,000, with the Games scheduled to take place from Aug 15 to 24.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim also noted the removal of synchronised swimming from SUKMA, saying the decision was due to insufficient participation from states.
He said SUKMA sports must have adequate entries from a minimum number of states, or else certain events cannot be included in the competition programme.
“For SUKMA, each sport must have participation from at least six states. If only three states submit entries, then it will be dropped,” he explained.
He added that some niche sports tend to “come and go” depending on participation levels, stressing the need for more consistent development across all states to ensure competitiveness.
“At national level, there is a need to look at how each state develops certain sports, not just sports trained by one state. If that is the case, there will be no competition,” he said.
Present at the closing ceremony were Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) acting CEO Khairul Nizam Morshidi, Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) president Pemanca Tan Kun Gee and ASAS advisor Voon Yong Hui.
