Dr Mohammed Taufiq fielding questions from reporters at the Kibar programme.
KUCHING (April 28): The scaling down of the Malaysian Games (Sukma) 2026 in Selangor will not affect the number of sports contested, says Federal Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
He clarified that while the Games will be downsized, the move will focus on organisational logistics rather than the sporting events themselves.
“At this point, it does not include reducing the number of sports, but there will certainly need to be more detailed discussions within the Sukma supreme committee.
“However, our view is that the scaling down will be more focused on organisational aspects such as the opening and closing ceremonies rather than the sports events themselves,” he told reporters at the Grassroots Youth Inspiration Tour (Kibar) programme on Monday.
He noted that the decision to implement cost-saving measures comes with several conditions and guidelines, which will be refined in consultation with the host state, Selangor, to determine the specific areas for reduction.
“The exact scale and figures will be announced later after further deliberations at a special meeting of the Sukma supreme committee scheduled for April 30,” he added.
He said the initial allocation for organising Sukma 2026 was around RM100 million, with reductions now expected under the revised approach.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Taufiq said preparations for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2027 are progressing well, with facilities at the Peninsular Malaysia level almost fully completed.
“In terms of facilities, we are not constructing any major new infrastructure as we are already prepared earlier.
“God willing, I will also visit several key hosting facilities in Sarawak to monitor the latest developments and preparations of sports facilities and infrastructure in the state,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his deputy Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, as well as Federal Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol.
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