Sukma Selangor 2026 scale-down won’t affect number of sports

From fourth left: Rentap, Abdul Karim, Dr Taufiq and Mordi, alongside other guests and participants, pose for a group photo during the Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (KIBAR) programme in Kampung Semeba, Kuching on April 27, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 27: The scale-down of the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor will not affect the number of sports contested, says Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

He said the cost-cutting measures will instead focus on organisational aspects such as the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as overall event management.

“At this stage it does not involve the number of sports, but there will certainly be more detailed discussions at the Sukma Supreme Committee level.

“We view the scale-down as focusing more on non-sporting aspects such as the opening, closing and overall organisation, which are the most important,” he told reporters after attending the Kembara Inspirasi Belia Akar Umbi (KIBAR) programme in Kampung Semeba today.

The Sukma Supreme Committee meeting is scheduled to take place on April 30.

Dr Taufiq further said that Selangor, as the host State, will determine the extent of the cost reductions, including possible adjustments to the initial allocation of about RM100 million for the Games.

“The exact amount of reduction will be decided by the State. All details will be updated after the committee meeting,” he said.

The decision to proceed with Sukma 2026, albeit in a scaled-down format, follows consent from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and discussions involving Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Taufiq also said he is scheduled to seek an audience with the Sultan of Selangor on Wednesday (April 29) to further discuss the matter, ahead of a special Sukma Supreme Committee meeting the following day, where key stakeholders will deliberate on the scale-down measures and set the necessary guidelines for the Games.

He stressed that the continuation of Sukma is important to ensure athlete development remains on track, particularly in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games, which Malaysia will host.

Also present during the KIBAR programme were Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; federal Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Mordi Bimol; and Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Youth and Sports) Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu. — DayakDaily