Minor hiccups in accommodation resolved promptly

KOTA SAMARAHAN: While there were minor issues in accommodating contingents for the 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma), these were swiftly addressed after receiving feedback, said Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurial Development (MySED) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He acknowledged that minor hiccups, such as food menu discrepancies and other facility-related concerns, are common during the initial days of such large-scale events.

“When the contingents arrive at their accommodations, we receive feedback. If there are any issues, we immediately direct the relevant parties to resolve them as efficiently as possible,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after officiating at the inauguration ceremony of the Sukma 2024 Sarawak 2024 Sports Village at DeTAR Putra, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

Unimas is the biggest sports village, housing nearly 6,000 athletes and officials across six residential colleges.

Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources (MUDeNR) permanent deputy secretary and deputy chairman of the Sukma Sports Village and Accommodation Committee, Hairani Mohammad Ismail noted that this edition of Sukma features 33 sports villages and accommodation sites, is prepared to meet the needs of technical officials and athletes throughout the event.

As of today, she said the majority of the sports villages and accommodations have been occupied, with athletes and officials moving in as early as Aug 7.

Hairani thanked Unimas for hosting one of the sports villages and for successfully organising the inauguration ceremony.

Also present were MySED Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat and Sukma 2024 chief executive officer Datuk Hii Chang Kee.

For the record, Sukma 2024 features 488 events across 37 sports. Competitions have already commenced, and the preparations for games villages and accommodations in all nine divisions — Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri — are in full swing.

Abdul Karim gives the thumbs-up during a photo session with dignitaries and Sukma contingents.