Mukah’s preparations for Sukma going smoothly, says deputy minister

MUKAH: Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu has expressed satisfaction with the preparations and arrangements involving several venues in Mukah Division for the upcoming 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) Sarawak 2024.

The Games are scheduled to take place from Aug 17 to 24 across nine divisions in Sarawak.

As the chef de mission of the Sarawak contingent, he noted that the upgrading processes of the sports facilities are proceeding smoothly.

He acknowledged minor issues, such as the need for improved spectator areas for judo and netball, and assured efforts to address these shortcomings.

“The upgrading of Padang Mesra Dalat and Mukah District Council (MDDM) is progressing well, and I am confident it will be completed within the next two to three weeks,” Rentap said after visiting several venues here today.

The venues included Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Mukah Campus, Mukah Polytechnic (PMU), Mukah Stadium, and Padang Mesra MDDM.

He observed positive progress in the upgrading work at all four venues, reinforcing Mukah Division’s readiness to host the biennial national event.

Rentap also mentioned that Sarawak athletes would converge on Mukah on Aug 10. Additionally, he confirmed that 1,100 accommodations had been arranged for athletes from various states who will compete in three sports events here.

“From a technical perspective, we are providing hotels, and I have been informed that everything is going smoothly,” he said.

Regarding the sport of sepak takraw, he mentioned that they had requested it to continue because five states had prepared early for this event.

He stressed that dropping the sport would be detrimental as it is popular, and “we do not want the women’s sepak takraw team to be affected.”

He called for strong support from all Sarawakians, especially residents of Mukah, to cheer for Sarawak athletes in their respective events.

Mukah Division will host competitions for judo, netball and men’s football.

Also present during the venue visits were Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine and Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi.