Offer affordable airfares for Sukma, Johor exco man urges airlines

Johor executive council member Hairi Mad Shah said sports tourism packages can positively impact Sarawak’s economy. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Johor’s executive councillor in charge of sports has urged local airlines to offer affordable airfares for flights from West Malaysia to Sarawak in conjunction with the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma).

Hairi Mad Shah said this would encourage more sports fans and supporters from West Malaysian states to travel to Sarawak for Sukma.

“Sports tourism packages can have a positive impact on Sarawak’s economy,” he was quoted as saying.

Sukma 2024 will be held across Sarawak’s nine divisions from Aug 17 to 24. A total of 37 sports will be contested, involving 488 events, with the participation of 12,619 athletes and officials.

Previously, Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor appealed to Sarawak to help cover part of the costs in sending the Kedah contingent to the games.

He cited the high cost of travel and the need to transport “containers” of equipment.

In response, Sarawak tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was what Sabah and Sarawak have had to endure for years to attend national events held in the peninsula.