KUALA LUMPUR – The Kelantan state government is grappling with increasing pressure to complete the necessary sports infrastructure for Sukma 2028 amid concerns over delays and a significant financial shortfall.
Originally slated to host the 2026 Sukma, Kelantan opted to delay its hosting duties to 2028, citing the need for more time to prepare.
However, this decision has placed the state under intense scrutiny, as recent developments suggest that even with the additional time, the preparations may still fall short of expectations.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in April, disclosed that work on the RM180 million Bukit Merbau Sports Complex, one of the key facilities for the games, has yet to begin.
Speaking to Scoop, Kelantan Youth, Sports, Non-Governmental Organisation and Community Unity exco Zamakhshari Muhamad has confirmed that 70% of the overall infrastructure has been completed.
“The construction of the infrastructure has already reached 70%. We have also acquired ownership of the Merbau Sports Complex. All the infrastructure is expected to be ready by March next year.
“We are also working closely with the Public Works Department, and since we are hosting the Games for the first time in our history, we must ensure everything runs smoothly when we host it in 2028.
“We still have a few more rocks to demolish around the complex, but we are committed to completing this in the next few months.
“We have received orders from the Sukma supreme council, so we must ensure all the infrastructure is ready within the given timeframe,” said Zamakhshari when contacted.
Adding to the state’s challenges is a significant financial gap. The Kelantan government initially estimated that it would need RM411 million to host the multisport event.
However, it has only received RM276 million from the federal government, meant to build six sports facilities, which include the Merbau Sports Complex and the Madinah Al-Salam Aquatic Centre in Tunjong, leaving a shortfall of RM135 million.
This funding gap raises serious questions about the state’s ability to complete the necessary infrastructure on time.
However, with lingering doubts about both the pace of construction and the availability of funds, is the timeline realistic?
The delay in hosting Sukma was meant to ensure Kelantan would be well-prepared, but instead, the state now finds itself under intense pressure to prove that the additional time will be used effectively.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Kelantan to see if it can overcome these challenges and successfully host the 2028 Sukma.
The stakes are high, and the state government’s ability to deliver is now under the national spotlight.
This year’s Sukma is taking place in Sarawak from August 17 to 24, with the state hosting the prestigious event for the third time, the last two times being in 1990 and 2016. – August 19, 2024