SHAH ALAM, April 26 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al Haj has granted consent for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 to proceed in a prudent and cost-conscious manner, said the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS).
Royal consent was granted after the Ruler received a briefing from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday (April 23).
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said that the decision to proceed with SUKMA 2026 reflects His Royal Highness’s concern for the development of the nation’s young athletes.
“I am deeply grateful for Tuanku Sultan's consent following the initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, particularly in recognising the importance of continuing to provide opportunities for young athletes to compete at a high level.
“Moreover, SUKMA 2026 serves as a platform for the selection and preparation of young athletes to represent the country at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in Malaysia next year,” he said in a statement today.
Dr Taufiq added that the matter had also been discussed with Menteri Besar Dato Seri Amirudin Shari, who gave assurances that the state government would fully cooperate to ensure the smooth organisation of the Games.
“I have also received consent for an audience with His Royal Highness, scheduled for Wednesday (April 29), together with the state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship, to present the latest updates on preparations for SUKMA 2026,” he said.
A special meeting of the SUKMA Supreme Committee, scheduled for Thursday (April 30), will be utilised by the SUKMA Selangor 2026 Secretariat to present the latest status of preparations, particularly the cost-saving measures to be implemented in line with the Sultan’s directive.
On Monday (April 20), Sultan Sharafuddin proposed postponing the hosting of SUKMA Selangor 2026 until the crisis in West Asia is resolved and the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.
His Royal Highness made the suggestion in view of the high costs of hosting the biennial Games amid current economic conditions.
Following this, several states, including Sarawak, expressed hope that the event would proceed, taking into account extensive preparations such as overseas training, as well as costs already incurred for accommodation, logistics, and athlete training.
Sabah, Terengganu, and Kelantan also expressed hope that the games could go ahead, even on a smaller scale, considering nearly two years of preparations since the conclusion of SUKMA 2024.
The 22nd edition of the Games is scheduled to take place from August 15 to August 24, while the Para SUKMA will be held from September 5 to September 10.
Approximately 474 events across 37 sports will be contested in nine districts, involving 52 competition venues, while Para SUKMA will feature 10 sports and 316 events.
