No federal funds for Sukma 2026 an 'unhealthy' move, says Selangor exco

SHAH ALAM – The federal government's decision not to channel any funds for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026 in Selangor is "not very healthy", said state youth, sports and entrepreneurship exco Najwan Halimi.

He said previous hosts had received federal assistance, pointing to Sarawak which obtained RM50 million to stage the Games two years ago.

Najwan said he had sought an explanation from two youth and sports ministers – Hannah Yeoh and her successor Dr Taufiq Johari – but no specific reason was given.

As a result, he said, Selangor had to move on its own, fully relying on the state government's allocation of RM50 million, along with nearly RM8 million in additional sponsorship.

"This situation is not very healthy because the organising of Sukma should also receive an allocation from the federal government," he told the Selangor state legislative assembly. (Translated from Malay)

He was replying to a supplementary question from Izuan Ahmad Kasim (PH-Kota Damansara), who sought an explanation on why Putrajaya had not provided funds or grants to Selangor as host of Sukma 2026.

The biennial Games are scheduled to run from Aug 15 to 24.

Najwan said the original cost of hosting Sukma 2026 in Selangor was estimated at RM203 million but was successfully reduced to RM50 million after several cost-saving measures were implemented.

Earlier, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had decreed that Sukma Selangor 2026 should be postponed until the crisis in West Asia was resolved and until the redevelopment of Shah Alam Stadium was fully completed.

However, His Royal Highness consented to the biennial sports meet proceeding prudently after receiving an audience from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.