Sarawak’s Sukma 2026 preparations unaffected by cost-cutting measures, says Abd Karim

KUCHING (April 10): Sarawak’s preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor will not be affected despite cost-cutting measures announced for the national sporting event, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The State Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said Sarawak remains committed to fully supporting its athletes and ensuring preparations stay on track, even as organisers move to scale down certain aspects of the biennial Games to manage costs.

His assurance came a day after Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari announced that Sukma 2026, scheduled from Aug 15 to 24 in Selangor, would be organised on a smaller scale in response to rising costs linked to the global energy crisis.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq said the cost-saving measures would focus mainly on ceremonial and non-essential expenditure, without affecting the number of sports contested, athlete participation or competition quality.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Sarawak Tourism Steering Committee meeting at a hotel here, Abdul Karim said he had attended a courtesy visit and Sukma meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Dr Mohammed Taufiq on Thursday (April 9), where it was confirmed that the Games would proceed as planned.

“In the meeting, we were informed that Sukma will still go on despite the various constraints related to travel costs and other challenges.

“Of course, some costs will have to be controlled, but I hope all these measures will not affect Sarawak’s preparations,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the state government and the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) were closely monitoring preparations and exploring practical ways to manage expenses.

“We need to manage budgets, transportation costs and so on. We will find the best way. Maybe we can charter AirBorneo. If we use commercial flights, it may be expensive.

“As for accommodation, we may focus more on budget hotels. Maybe the operations room or the state contingent’s operations room can be based in one hotel. We will look into all of that,” he said.

He added that Sarawak’s athlete development and training programmes remain unaffected, with several teams already undergoing overseas training.

“Many of our teams that will be involved in Sukma in Selangor are currently overseas. I know the wushu team is now in China undergoing training.

“There are cost controls, but they will not affect preparations,” he said.

Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak has always prioritised athlete welfare and support.

“We have always wanted Sarawak to give full support to all our athletes,” he said, adding that appointments related to athlete development and management, including ACDM, would be finalised soon.