SIBU: The town is ready to welcome about 1,000 athletes and officials for the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI) from across the country.
SUKMA XXI chief executive officer Datuk Hii Chang Kee said preparations for both the sports villages and transport for the athletes have been completed.
“We have monitored all preparations, and, God willing, everything is ready. This includes conducting a dry run for transport, as it is crucial for all athletes and competition officials to arrive at the venues from the sports village two hours before the competition.
“Therefore, we will work closely with the police to ensure smooth movements during the competition and to prevent any delays,” he told reporters after a SUKMA venue inspection at Stadium Tun Zaidi here yesterday (Aug 4).
The Deputy State Secretary (Operations) also said a SUKMA carnival will be held at the foyer of the Sibu Indoor Stadium, featuring among others, various food and drink stalls.
“We urge residents of Sibu to attend in large numbers. Football matches will begin on Aug 12, while badminton and volleyball competitions will start on Aug 17.
“The football matches in Sibu will only cover the initial stages from Aug 12 to 16. After that, they will move to Mukah for subsequent rounds, with the finals in Mukah,” he added.
Prior to the site visits, Hii attended a meeting with the SUKMA secretariat and all committees in the Sibu division to oversee the final preparations for the games.
During the meeting, Hii emphasised the importance of all 20 working committees of the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) XXI Sarawak 2024 in the Sibu division fulfilling their respective roles to ensure the smooth organisation of the biennial event.
He said Sibu will host three sports, namely men’s football, indoor volleyball, and badminton.
“With 13 days remaining before the games, all preparations, including venue arrangements and accommodation for athletes and officials, must be fully completed,” he added.
