KUCHING: Sarawak hopes the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) will proceed as planned following the extensive preparations undertaken well in advance, including major financial commitments and sacrifices made by athletes.

Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said various preparations including logistics, accommodation bookings and athlete training had been carried out earlier.

According to him, some Sarawak athletes have also been sent to undergo training both domestically and internationally in preparation for the Games.

"When it comes to Sarawak, my hope is for SUKMA to continue. A great deal has already been spent on preparations including logistics, hotel bookings, homestays and deposit payments.

“Our athletes have also been sent to various places, including overseas, for training. If it is postponed, some of them may no longer be able to participate because the SUKMA age limit is 21,” he said during a press conference here on Thursday.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that any decision on whether SUKMA will continue or be postponed depends on the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Selangor State Government as the host.

In the same development, he announced that the Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johar’s visit to Sarawak will involve visits to several sports facilities including the Sarawak Stadium and Stadium Perpaduan Petra Jaya, as well as a community outreach programme at Kampung Semeba to meet the residents.

He said the SUKMA issue is also expected to be raised informally during the visit. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Grace John Lee
Photo: Sarah Nicole
Translator: Nerissa Sia