KUCHING – The federal government has agreed to channel an allocation of RM50 million to Sarawak for the hosting of the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma.
Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said although the amount is less than the RM100 million it sought, the state would continue to look forward and be a good host.
“We are quite blessed because Sarawak has good coffers compared to other states.
“We are not complaining about the issue because, at the end of the day, what is more important is that we can be a good host and promote sports.
“The spin-off from hosting Sukma is more important to us. Can you imagine if a single person spends RM1,000 during the event? The benefit will be huge towards all industries (and economy),” he told reporters during a Sukma media conference here today.
On May 14, Karim said that 24 sports facilities had been identified to be upgraded and three new ones are under construction ahead of the Sukma 2024, with the total cost being around RM200 million.
He said the three new facilities are the Sarawak Cricket and Rugby Ground, Wushu Training and Competition Centre and Sarawak Sports Village in Petra Jaya.
Sukma 2024 will be held in Sarawak from August 17 to 24 involving its divisions namely Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
A total of 488 events will be contested, comprising 236 men’s events, 217 women’s events and 35 mixed events in 37 sports.
It will gather 12,619 people from various contingents, comprising 9,927 athletes and 2,692 officials.
Sukma, which was introduced in 1986, has been staged in Sarawak twice, in 1990 and 2016. – May 30, 2024