KUCHING: All sports associations in Sarawak involved in organising SUKMA events next year will be given until the end of April to submit their budget proposals.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu told reporters that it was still hard to tell the figure needed to organise SUKMA 2024 without having the budget proposals from all the sports associations.
“Sarawak Sports Council (SSC) is currently doing the audit on all of the sports facilities we have here which I believe should be ready by mid-April and by then we will submit the budget to the Cabinet for approval.
“The federal government has not told us how much they will give to us just yet but in my personal opinion, RM50 million might not be enough to organise the next SUKMA because we are going to organise some of the events in other parts of Sarawak, not just Kuching,” he said during his visit to the ITF World Tennis Junior Team Competition U14 (Boys) Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying tournament held at Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) Centre here on Saturday.
However, Rentap pointed out that next year’s SUKMA has provided the best chance for Sarawak to upgrade its facilities here.
“For example, if we upgrade Stadium Negeri, which can fit up to 40,000 spectators, we can host big concerts over there.
“In the meantime, we can also bring in more international events if we are able to upgrade our facilities up to international standards,” he added.
