Sukma: 24 Facilities To Be Upgraded, Three New Ones Under Construction

KUCHING, May 14 (Bernama) -- Twenty-four sports facilities have been identified to be upgraded and three new ones are under construction for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the overall upgrading and construction works which cost around RM200 million are expected to be completed by July this year.

He said the three new facilities are Sarawak Cricket and Rugby Ground, Wushu Training and Competition Centre and Sarawak Sports Village in Petra Jaya.

“In preparation for SUKMA, my ministry and its agency, Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) have joined the effort in ensuring that the venues are well prepared in accordance with sports standards specification,” he said at the State Assembly sitting here today.

Meanwhile, in a press conference afterwards, Abdul Karim said Sarawak is still discussing with the federal government on the amount of funding to be allocated for SUKMA. 

“We are requesting at least RM100 million from the federal government,” he said.

SUKMA 2024 will be held in Sarawak from Aug 17 to 24 involving its divisions namely Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.

A total of 488 events will be contested, comprising 236 men's events, 217 women's events and 35 mixed or open events in 37 sports.

It will gather 12,619 people from various contingents, comprising 9,927 athletes and 2,692 officials.

SUKMA, which was introduced in 1986, has been staged in Sarawak twice, in 1990 and 2016. 

-- BERNAMA