By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Jan 5 — The state government has adopted an open stance regarding the selection of main locations for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026, including proposals for Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur and the Sepang International Circuit.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said no final decision has been made yet, with an official announcement expected by April at the latest.
“Next week, we will establish the Sukma secretariat committee, followed by meetings with the State Sports Councils (MSN) from all states.
[caption id="attachment_385522" align="alignleft" width="440"] State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi delivers his speech during the Madani Youth Tour Carnival in Pantai Remis, Kuala Selangor, on January 4, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“By March or April, we will make an announcement. We are not ruling out the possibility of using the Sepang International Circuit or Stadium Merdeka. Options remain open,” he said.
Najwan was speaking to the press at the Madani Youth Tour Carnival in Pantai Remis, Kuala Selangor yesterday, which was also attended by Selangor MSN executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi.
The councillor also hopes that Sukma events can be held across various districts to ensure its economic benefits reach all levels of society.
However, he noted that such plans would depend on the capability of the districts, particularly in terms of sports facilities and athlete accommodations.
“Our plan is to involve all districts so the economic spillover can benefit surrounding communities, as this is also part of sports tourism,” Najwan said.
Selangor is set to host Sukma 2026, marking its return as the host of the prestigious games since last hosting them in 1998.