KOTA BHARU, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan state government hopes the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor will proceed as planned, even if on a smaller scale.
State Youth, Sports, Non-governmental Organisations and Community Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad said postponing the games could have a direct impact on athletes’ performance and morale.
He said the state government has been preparing for nearly two years since the conclusion of SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak, involving significant commitments in terms of time, effort and finances.
“Overall, we hope SUKMA will go on, even on a smaller scale, in line with the view also expressed by Terengganu. However, we respect the views of the Sultan of Selangor,” he told reporters after the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
He said the SUKMA Supreme Council meeting on April 9 had also discussed a proposal for the games to proceed on a scaled-down basis.
On Monday, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the organisation of SUKMA Selangor 2026 should be postponed until the crisis in West Asia is resolved and the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.
SUKMA Selangor 2026 is scheduled to take place from Aug 15 to 24.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari had earlier said the biennial games would be held on a smaller scale to reduce costs without reducing the number of sports and events contested.
He was reported as saying the decision was made after the games’ top committee took into account the global supply crisis and its economic impact, which is also being felt in the country.
-- BERNAMA
