Minister: Scaled-down Sukma 2026 won’t affect competition quality

Abdul Karim speaks to the media after officiating the Saberkas President’s Cup Futsal Championship at Arena Sukan in Kuching on May 1, 2026.

By Emily Ruran

KUCHING, May 1: Cost-cutting measures for the upcoming 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) will not affect the quality of competition, said Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the Sukma 2026 would be held on a reduced scale, with adjustments mainly involving organisational aspects.

The matter was discussed during a special Sukma meeting held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Apr 30), following a recent audience with the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

While the state ruler had initially advised that the Games be postponed, Abdul Karim said feedback from state sports representatives indicated strong support for it to proceed as scheduled.

“From the feedback we received yesterday, all state sports exco members agreed that Sukma should go on for the sake of sports development. If it is postponed, there would be more disadvantages than benefits.

“Almost all states are already well prepared. There are only about three to four months left, so most of the preparations are already in place, and the host (state) is also almost ready.

“For Sarawak, the athletes are expected to enter training camp next week. Most of our preparations are already at the final stage, including accommodation bookings and other arrangements,” he said after officiating the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) President’s Cup Futsal Championship at Arena Sukan here today.

He added that several aspects of the Games would be scaled down, including the opening and closing ceremonies, while the number of volunteers would be reduced significantly.

“While there are reductions, we hope this will not affect the overall atmosphere and spirit of Sukma,” he said.

He stressed that all sporting events would proceed as planned, with no changes to competition formats or judging standards.

However, he expressed hope that provisions for athletes, including allowances and meals, would remain intact to avoid affecting their welfare.

“As long as it does not affect the competitions, judging, and the overall conduct of the Games, then it is appropriate to make these adjustments,” he added. — DayakDaily