SHAH ALAM, Apr 27 — The decision to proceed with the organisation of the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), made by the Sultan of Selangor, is expected to boost the morale of state athletes to deliver their best performances.
Selangor SUKMA contingent chief Abbas Salimi Azmi said all athletes are prepared to compete in the biennial games and are determined to help Selangor clinch the overall championship title.
“I would like to thank the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, for his concern over the SUKMA issue. I hope the Games can be carried out prudently and in line with His Royal Highness’s aspirations,” he told Media Selangor.
To ensure the event is not overly costly, he suggested that the state government consider several measures, including relocating the opening ceremony from the Sepang International Circuit to the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.
He also proposed that fireworks and drone performances be scrapped, and that school and university students be used for cultural performances instead of well-known artistes.
“We have many universities and schools offering cultural classes. There is no need for major artistes to perform. The closing ceremony should also be simple but still meaningful for everyone,” he said.
Abbas, who is also Seri Serdang assemblyman, further suggested that official vehicles for contingents use electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fuel costs, and that the traditional golf invitation event be removed.
“These involve significant costs. Perhaps we can replace them with more affordable invitational events. The savings can be channelled towards athlete development and needs. I hope these suggestions will be considered,” he said.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari previously said the Sultan of Selangor had consented to SUKMA 2026 proceeding in a prudent and cost-effective manner following a briefing by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday.
He said the Special Meeting of the SUKMA Supreme Committee scheduled for April 30 would be used by the Selangor SUKMA 2026 Secretariat to present the latest preparations, particularly cost-saving measures in line with the Sultan’s consent.
On April 20, the Sultan had suggested postponing SUKMA Selangor 2026 until the crisis in West Asia stabilises and the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.
His Royal Highness said the proposal was made as the biennial games require very high expenditure amid current economic conditions.
Following the suggestion, several states including Sarawak expressed hope that the Games would proceed, citing extensive preparations such as overseas training, accommodation bookings, logistics and athlete preparation costs already incurred.
Sabah, Terengganu and Kelantan also expressed hope that the Games would continue, albeit on a smaller scale, given nearly two years of preparation since the conclusion of SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak.
The 22nd edition of SUKMA is scheduled to be held from August 15 to 24, while PARA SUKMA will take place from September 5 to 10.
A total of 474 events across 37 sports will be contested in nine districts involving 52 venues, while PARA SUKMA will feature 10 sports and 316 events.
