BETONG: The transportation costs for athletes from other states to Sarawak for the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, scheduled from Aug 17 to 24, are the responsibility of each respective state.
In stating this, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the participating states should bear these costs and not expect Sarawak, as the host, to do do.
“In previous SUKMA events held in other states, Sarawak never asked the host state to cover any transportation or other costs.
“The participating states should demonstrate sportsmanship and the SUKMA spirit to ensure the success of this event,” he explained.
He said this when met by reporters from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) after a visit to the weightlifting venue at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall here today (July 11).
Earlier, he was asked to comment on a statement by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Nor, who expressed hope that Sarawak would bear some of the costs for sending Kedah’s contingent to SUKMA.
Sanusi also mentioned that this is due to the high costs involved, including travel tickets and equipment transportation.
Rentap, the chef de mission of the Sarawak SUKMA contingent, stressed that the Sarawak government has already spent significant funds to upgrade SUKMA 2024 venues and other necessary facilities.
“We have provided the facilities and have used our own state funds to repair, build, and host this SUKMA.
“Previously, the federal government only provided RM50 million to Sarawak, but we will do our best with the budget we have,” he added.
Meanwhile, he expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the upgrades to the weightlifting venue.
“Not only the venue is ready to host the competition, but the athlete accommodations and logistics preparations have also been discussed and are now just awaiting the contingents to arrive in Betong and compete starting Aug 17,” he said.
