SIBU: The Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre in Sibu Jaya has been identified as one of the venues for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sukma 2024, scheduled for August 2024, would involve eight divisions, with various sports being contested primarily in Kuching due to its comprehensive facilities.
“In Sibu, the sports include badminton, preliminary football, sepak takraw and judo. Football matches will also be held in Bintulu and Mukah, with the semi-finals and finals to be determined later,” said the Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development on today (July 13).
“The proposed stages will be presented to the National Sukma Committee for assessment,” and Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the selections made would meet the hosting requirements.
Regarding preparations for Sukma, Abdul Karim stressed the focus on athlete preparation to ensure their success at the games.
“Many Sarawakian athletes are currently overseas or undergoing intensive training until next year. The final preparation will include SUKSA, a competition to select the athletes who will represent Sarawak.”
Infrastructure improvements in the eight divisions identified as Sukma 2024 venues are also being addressed.
“Feedback from schools, local councils, and the Sarawak Sports Corporation is being considered to determine necessary renovations. If renovation costs exceed RM200mil, the matter will be brought to the Cabinet.
“However, the Sarawak government will ultimately decide on the feasibility of the costs, with efforts made to reduce expenses by half.”
Present at the sports centre handover on Thursday were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang Ming Tee; Ministry of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick, Amcorp Properties chairman Shalina Azman and others.
