KUCHING: The confirmation date on which state to host the Malaysia Games next year is set to be finalised by the end of the month.
Youth Development, Sports and Entrepreneurship Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the confirmation date of which state to host will possibly be announced before March.
He has urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports to confirm the venue as soon as possible as in that way it would ensure that Sarawak would be able to prepare accordingly.
Abdul Karim was speaking about the proposal made by the Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Hannah Yeoh, that Sarawak would be hosting the next Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in 2024.
“All the states have agreed that Sarawak would host the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) but the final decision would still be made by the Cabinet.
“I don’t think there should be a problem, but that would be the final decision. Once Cabinet has approved they will inform us and we will get ourselves prepared,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference to announce the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II yesterday.
Following that, Abdul has stressed to the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) to get itself prepared as his only condition is to win and be champions this time.
Besides that, he also pointed out that if Sarawak were to host the coming Malaysia Games, the sports facilities and infrastructures would be upgraded.
“I believe our facilities are good enough, however minor upgrading needs to be made to host SUKMA at a national level.
“Our running tracks, fields and courts need to be improved. I believe that this would not take so long by the contractors.
“This is why we ask the Ministry of Youth and Sports to let us know early which could allow us to make it very successful,” he said.
He also mentioned that if SUKMA were to be held in Sarawak, the majority of the events would be in Kuching and other districts such as Sibu and Miri.