SUKMA host sets sights on SEA Games

MIRI: Sarawak has a remarkable opportunity to highlight its dedication to sports excellence and showcase its impressive capabilities as the proud host of the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI), 

Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said that this edition of SUKMA allows Sarawak to truly shine. 

She then praised the event’s organisation and also underscored the chance for the entire nation to witness Sarawak’s exceptional hosting abilities.

“My ministry is preparing to seek Cabinet approval for Sarawak to host the SEA Games in 2027. 

“If the Cabinet approves, Sarawak is eager to co-host the event,” she said during her visit to Miri City Stadium on Saturday (July 27).

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development as well as chef de mission for the Sarawak Contingent, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu highlighted that Sarawak has successfully organised a variety of activities while also upgrading all of its sports facilities.

“We have prepared not only for SUKMA, but these sports facilities should be fully utilised, and training must continue,” he added.

Rentap expressed pride in Sarawak’s silat talents, noting that athletes not selected for SUKMA could still be prepared for the SEA Games and other major competitions.

He further called upon all Sarawak supporters to contribute to making SUKMA a success, as Sarawak strives to achieve victory.

Among those present at the event were Miri MP, Chiew Choon Man, director of Sarawak State Youth and Sports Department, Lamat Nyalau, Northern Zone Head of Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Netty Elvis, and Officer in Charge of SSC Miri Division, Ajis Kon.

For the record, SUKMA 2024 will showcase 37 sports disciplines featuring a total of 488 events, including 236 men’s events, 217 women’s events, and 35 mixed events. 

The competitions will take place across nine divisions: Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.  

Introduced in 1986, SUKMA has been hosted by Sarawak twice before, in 1990 and 2016.