Selangor Sultan proposes postponement of Sukma 2026 until Middle East conflict subsides

The Sarawak contingent entering the stadium during the 21st Sukma opening ceremony on Aug 17, 2024. Photo credit: JaPen

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 20: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has suggested that the Malaysia Games (Sukma), which is scheduled to be held in the state this year, be postponed until the Middle East conflict subsides.

In a Bernama report, he cited the current economic situation, pointing out the high allocation required to organise the event.

“Regarding the organisation of SUKMA by the State of Selangor, I am informed that the required allocation is very high.

“Given the current economic situation, I am of the view that it would be more appropriate for the organisation to be postponed until the crisis in West Asia is resolved,” Sultan Sharafuddin said in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the Fourth Term of the 15th Selangor Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at the Selangor Assembly building in Shah Alam today.

Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin also decreed that the postponement would also be appropriate until the redevelopment of Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.

Sukma Selangor 2026 is scheduled to take place from Aug 15 to 24.

Earlier, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the biennial games would be conducted on a smaller scale to reduce organisational costs without reducing the number of sports and events contested.

He said the move was made after the games’ supreme committee took into account the global energy crisis and the world economic impact, also felt in the country. — DayakDaily