Ensure venues in tip-top condition, SUKMA secretariat told

KUCHING: The main secretariat of the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 has been reminded to ensure that each competition venue is in top condition to prevent any issues from arising.

Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and SUKMA 2024 chief executive officer Datuk Hii Chang Kee said this included appointed venue managers must guarantee that no incidents occur that could tarnish Sarawak’s reputation as the host of this prestigious event, now just 15 days away.

He said that all involved parties, including liaison officers and volunteers, must fully understand their roles to ensure the smooth running of all 37 sports events across 50 venues.

“Being a venue manager is a significant responsibility. We rely on them to ensure that everything runs smoothly and without issues at their respective venues.
“They must also ensure that all staff are present and prepared two days before the competition begins,” he said.

He said this when giving a briefing to the SUKMA 2024 venue managers at the Indoor Stadium, Petra Jaya, here on Friday (Aug 2).

Volunteers at the prize presentation simulation for the SUKMA 2024. Photo: UKAS

During the briefing, Hii also highlighted several important tasks that each venue manager must take into account.

Among those tasks includes holding coordination meetings and site visits with the working committees, conducting prize presentation rehearsals with volunteers a day before the competition, managing the prize presentation sessions with assistance from Sarawak Youth and Sports Department (JBS) volunteer team, overseeing the overall venue, and ensure all staff are present at the venue before and during the competition.

The venue managers are also responsible for ensuring the availability and accuracy of state and national anthems and flags, controlling access to the VIP area, checking medals, contacting the main or divisional secretariats for immediate advice or decisions if necessary, preparing daily reports, and being accountable to the SUKMA Special Technical Committee.

Each venue manager is also provided with 15 flags representing the 14 states and territories in Malaysia, including Brunei Darussalam, which will compete for the SUKMA 2024 overall championship.

Meanwhile, the briefing session concluded with a prize presentation simulation, focusing on volunteer duties and the arrangement of the prize presentation ceremony.