KUCHING: Sarawak athletes and officials heading to Selangor for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) have been urged to remain vigilant over the haze situation and take necessary precautions throughout the competition.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said although haze had also been reported in Selangor, the situation there was understood to be less concerning compared with Sarawak.
He said haze was currently affecting not only Sarawak but also parts of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, with the severity depending on wind patterns.
“If we look at what is happening in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, including Selangor where SUKMA will be held, the Air Pollution Index is not as bad as what we are experiencing in Sarawak at the moment.
“I don’t think it is too concerning, and we hope the situation will not worsen during SUKMA,” he said when met by reporters at Kuching International Airport on Wednesday (August 12).
Abdul Karim said athletes competing in outdoor events, particularly those taking place on fields and tracks, should nevertheless remain cautious and take care of their health.
He advised athletes with sinus sensitivity not to remain outdoors for prolonged periods, although he noted that athletes generally do not face major problems with such conditions.
He said the situation would continue to depend on weather and wind conditions, and expressed hope that the haze would not intensify once competition gets underway.
He also reminded the athletes and officials to maintain discipline and conduct themselves responsibly throughout their stay in Selangor.
“We want the name of Sarawak to always be held in high regard. There should be no problems or incidents that could tarnish our contingent,” he said.
He also urged the contingent to remain focused on their respective events and maintain the discipline expected of Sarawak representatives.
SUKMA Selangor 2026 will be held from August 15 to 24.
