KUCHING: A unified stance from all states has ensured that the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 will go on this August, after agreeing to scale down non-essential elements rather than delay the biennial event.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the decision was reached following a special SUKMA meeting in Kuala Lumpur, chaired by Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, and attended by state sports representatives.
He said the consensus came after taking into account various factors, following suggestions from the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who had earlier advised that the Games be postponed.
“After listening to the views of all states, there was strong agreement that SUKMA should proceed, as postponing it would bring more disadvantages, particularly in terms of athlete development,” he told reporters when met at Arena Sukan here today (May 1) after officiating the SABERKAS President’s Cup Futsal Championship 2026.
Abdul Karim noted that with less than four months remaining, preparations across the board are already at an advanced stage, making postponement impractical.
“Most states are already in their final phase of preparation. In Sarawak, we will be entering centralised training soon, and arrangements such as accommodation bookings have already been made, with deposits paid,” he said.
He added that while the Games will proceed as scheduled in Selangor this August, several cost-cutting measures will be implemented to reduce the overall scale of the Games.
Among the measures agreed upon are scaling down the opening and closing ceremonies to a minimal level, as well as reducing the number of volunteers from about 30,000 to approximately 5,000.
“However, the competitions themselves will not be affected. All sporting events will proceed as planned, and the standards of judging and organisation will be maintained,” he stressed.
He also expressed hope that athlete welfare would remain a priority, particularly in terms of allowances and basic needs.
“We hope that provisions such as pocket money, food and accommodation for athletes will not be reduced, as these are essential for them to perform at their best,” he said.
Abdul Karim added that the move to streamline the Games is a practical response to current global economic challenges, but should not diminish the overall spirit of SUKMA.
“This is about cutting costs where necessary without affecting the essence of the Games – fair competition, proper organisation, and the sense of unity it brings,” he said.
