ISKANDAR PUTERI: The government will not cancel the Malaysian Games (Sukma), to be held in Johor, which has already been pushed to 2021 due to Covid-19, says Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
The Youth and Sports Minister said there were some quarters that called for Sukma to be postponed or cancelled, but the government does not want to send a wrong signal to the sporting community and sponsors.
“We are still optimistic, which is why Sukma will still be held next year, but there would be some minor changes on the dates.
“The final decision on confirmed dates will be made after a meeting with the Sukma supreme committee later in December this year, ” he said in a press conference held at Kota Iskandar here on Saturday (Sept 19).
He said that Parasukma would be held first between March 8 and March 13 next year, while the dates for Sukma, which is slated to be held in April, will be finalised in the meeting.
Reezal Merican said this was to allow some 171 Sukma athletes to sit for their STPM examinations, which would be held between March 1 and March 19 next year.
Sukma was supposed to be held in July this year, but the games have been pushed to 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In another matter, Reezal Merican also said the committee was also looking at having states to host Sukma alternately with Klang Valley.
He added that the government, through the Economic Planning Unit (Upen), have advised the ministry to change the Sukma hosting module to lessen financial burdens, which could cost about a quarter of a billion ringgit.
“Looking at such conditions, the committee suggested holding Sukma alternately between states and Federal Territories, together with National Sports Council.
“This will allow facilities in Klang Valley areas, which is already adequate, to be used more often, ” he added.
Source : TheStar