Sarawak Sukma preparations unaffected despite budget adjustments after federal scale-down decision

The Sarawak contingent during Sukma 2024 opening ceremony held at Sarawak Stadium on Aug 17, 2024.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 10: Sarawak’s preparations for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026 will not be affected despite expected budget adjustments in line with the federal government’s decision to scale down the games.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said while cost-control measures will be introduced, particularly in logistics and transportation, Sarawak remains committed to ensuring its athletes are fully prepared and competitive at the national games.

“Sarawak would need to streamline our own preparations, particularly in transportation and logistics for the contingent.

“We may charter flights, possibly through AirBorneo, if commercial flights are too expensive. For accommodation, we may opt for budget hotels and distribute teams across different locations. We will assess all constraints carefully,” he told a press conference after chairing the Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee Meeting at a hotel here today.

Abdul Karim added that the ministry and Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) is actively monitoring preparations, with athletes from various disciplines already in training, including some overseas such as the State’s wushu squad in China.

“These adjustments would not compromise athlete preparation or performance targets,” he assured.

This development followed Abdul Karim’s courtesy visit to Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (April 9) where he also attended a Sukma meeting.

“From what was decided, the games will still be held, though costs will be managed carefully. I hope these cost controls will not affect the development of sports in Malaysia,” he said.

He noted that while the federal government and the Sukma organising committee had agreed to scale down expenditures due to economic pressures, the number of sports events would remain unchanged.

Abdul Karim stressed that despite cost rationalisation, Sarawak remains committed to maintaining its strong sporting performance.

“There will be cost controls, but these will not affect preparations. We have always aimed for Sarawak to be a sports powerhouse,” he said.

Yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirmed that Sukma 2026 will be proceed as planned from Aug 15 to 24, but will be scaled down due to global economic pressures and rising energy costs. — DayakDaily