SUKMA 2024 calls for volunteers to support largest edition yet

KUCHING: The Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, which reportedly will be the largest edition yet, is reaching out for more than 700 volunteers to help coordinate 37 sports across nine divisions.

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed the necessity for volunteers to manage the multitude of events spanning nine divisions.

“We have not identified the volunteers because it involves many venues in nine divisions but we will select the volunteers based on where the sporting events are being held.

“If the event is held in Sibu, then the volunteers will be from Sibu, and if the events are in Miri, then the volunteers would be from Miri; this would ensure more Sarawakians themselves can be volunteers,” he said after officiating at the ministry’s appreciation ceremony at Sheraton Hotel, here yesterday (Jan 25).

Abdul Karim said the volunteer application process is pending, and the ministry is currently evaluating application procedures, adding that priority would be given to students from higher education institutes in Sarawak.

“We will carefully consider the volunteer recruitment process, as many students from higher education institutes here are not locals. They may study here and wish to volunteer, assisting contingents from West Malaysia and Sabah,” he added.

Abdul Karim also confirmed that the SUKMA opening ceremony would take place at Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya.

Meanwhile in his address, Abdul Karim urged the ministry, the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) to collaborate strategically and proactively to achieve a shared mission.

“The state government has tasked us with a challenge of emerginh as the overall champion. Therefore, our ministry will play a key role in hosting the 21st edition of the Malaysia Games, spanning Sarawak from Aug 17 to Aug 24,” he said.

SUKMA 2024 will be hosted across Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Serian, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Abdul Karim’s deputies, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Dr. Ripin Lamat.