Sukma in Sarawak set to cost over RM100 mil: Karim Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA – Organising the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) is expected to cost more than RM100 million, said the Sarawak sports minister.

This includes the upgrading and repair works of relevant facilities involved in the hosting of the 21st edition of the Games in August next year, said minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“We are collecting feedback from owners or facility operators on what needs to be upgraded – such as repairing the toilets and giving the facility a facelift, including a new paint job, among others. Some have asked for a new roof. 

“For now, the total cost (based on feedback) has exceeded RM60 million, and we are expecting more to come.

“I expect the total cost would be more than RM100 million because that was the cost to organise previous Sukmas.

“Any maintenance needs to be done as soon as possible and must be completed within less than a year. It will not be a major upgrade as the facilities are still in good shape,” he said.

Karim was met after the Sukma Supreme Committee and State Youth and Sports Development Exco Coordination meetings, which were both chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at Menara KBS here today.

Meanwhile, Karim also said that Sarawak plans to build a cycling velodrome that is expected to be on par with the National Velodrome in Nilai, if not better.

He explained that the construction will likely commence next year within the Sarawak State Sports Complex in Kuching, but it would not be ready in time for Sukma.

“It is going to be an indoor velodrome, but we have not decided if the track surface will be wooden or not.

“The state sports complex is the largest in the country. It is equipped with two stadiums, a shooting range, and an aquatics complex. At this moment, we are also building rugby and cricket pitches,” he said.

When asked about the cost of building the velodrome, Karim made it clear that funding would not be an issue.

Earlier, Hannah announced that only the Games’ track cycling events will be held in Nilai.

The 2024 Games will be held from August 17 to 24 with 37 types of sports to be contested, while Para Sukma will take place from August 21 to 28. – The Vibes, June 12, 2023