KUCHING, July 5 — The uncertain weather is posing a challenge for contractors trying to get facilities ready ahead of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak from August 17 to 25.
State Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the rain and heat are of concern, especially when it comes to open-air facilities.
“Today, we visited several venues such as those for lawn bowls, hockey, ping pong and basketball, and we found some that need extra work,” he told reporters after inspecting facilities involved in Sukma here today.
“I am concerned about construction in open areas due to weather factors that are not in our favour. Earlier today, it rained at the archery venue, so the contractor was unable to work.”
However, Gerald, who is also Chef De Mission of the Sarawak contingent, is confident all facilities will be ready on time.
“So far, I am satisfied with our preparations. If the venues are completed, we want our athletes to come and train (to familiarise themselves with the venues),” he said.
On May 14, Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said 24 sports facilities were identified for upgrading and three will be built ahead of Sukma 2024.
All construction and upgrading work, valued at about RM200 million, are expected to be completed this month.
Sukma 2024 will be held in the Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri divisions.
This year’s games will see 37 sports with 488 events, and will involve 236 men and 217 women, as well as 35 mixed events. The games will bring together 12,619 athletes and officials.
Sukma, which began in1986, has been held in Sarawak twice before, in 1990 and 2016.
— Bernama
