Sukma: Hot weather may disrupt some outdoor events

MIRI (July 31): Several events of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 which are held outdoors may be postponed if weather conditions pose safety risks to the athletes.

This was announced by Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu yesterday.

He noted that while preparations for the games are going smoothly, the unpredictable weather must also be taken into consideration.

“I have met with the Director of Meteorology Sarawak and we have been given forecasts raining from three to five days. If the temperature reaches 40 degree Celsius or higher, we will have to postpone (outdoor games),” he told reporters.

Such a decision, he added, would be discussed and evaluated by the Sukma committee and main council before a joint statement is made.

“It is also a regulation in other tournaments, for example, the Olympics that is happening now under very hot weather, and the organisers are monitoring the weather conditions to ensure the health of athletes.

“Athletes must take care of their health and drink plenty of water during intensive training and on the day of the competition,” he advised.

If any postponement happens, he added, alternatives would be made to ensure all events are completed before the closing ceremony on Aug 24.

Asked whether Sarawak athletes who win golds will receive incentives or rewards, Rentap said it would be announced by Premier of Sarawak later.

“Let Premier Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announce the rewards. We have a mission to win Sukma Sarawak this time and it needs to be prioritised.

“I have been reminded by Premier to ensure that Sarawak wins Sukma this edition and it is a challenge not only to me but to all athletes and management,” he said.

Yesterday, Rentap inspected several locations such as Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, Miri Outdoor Stadium, Marina Bay Jetty, IKBN Miri’s multipurpose hall and field, and SMK Merbau field which are among the venues for Sukma competitions.

Miri will be hosting karate, softball, fencing, rugby, pencak silat and sailing. He expressed satisfaction with all the facilities and said they are ready to welcome various state contingents in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, in Kuching, it was revealed that over 7,000 police personnel are expected to be deployed over the one-week duration of Sukma.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata assured that there will be a sufficient number of police personnel to help ensure that events run smoothly.

“We, the Sarawak police, are well-prepared. In terms of human resources, we have sufficient personnel to be deployed during the Sukma,” he told reporters when met after the presentation of ‘Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara’ (PJPN) honours at the General Operations Force (GOF) headquarters in Batu Kawa here yesterday.