KOTA BHARU — The Kelantan government is prioritising the construction of seven major sports facilities as it prepares to host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 2028.
State Youth, Sports, NGOs and Community Unity chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad said that three of the projects are currently under construction, while the remaining four are in the tendering phase.
“The three facilities currently being built are the Bukit Merbau Main Stadium and Shooting Range in the Pasir Puteh district, as well as the Jeli Sports Complex in the Jeli district.
“The four other major projects in the tender process are the Hockey Stadium, Indoor Arena, and the Squash Centre & Covered Lawn Bowls Court, all in Pasir Puteh, as well as the Aquatic Centre in Kota Bharu,” he told Bernama recently.
According to Zamakhshari, work on the Bukit Merbau Stadium — which began in 2023 — has reached 16.77% and is expected to be completed by 2027.
Construction of the Shooting Range, which began in December last year, is currently at 4% progress and is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2026.
The Jeli Sports Complex has reached 39.75% progress and is expected to be completed by June 2025.
“Sukma in Kelantan is expected to take place around June or July 2028. We are confident that all these facilities can be completed on schedule with continuous monitoring by the Public Works Department (JKR) and the commitment of the appointed contractors,” he said.
Commenting on preparations for the state’s contingent, Zamakhshari said the Kelantan Sports Council (MSN) has already begun early planning ahead of Sukma 2026, which will be hosted in Selangor.
“Based on the experience from Sukma Sarawak 2024, we have carried out restructuring and appointed new coaches to bring the performance of state athletes to new heights.
“I also frequently go down to the ground to ensure that all preparations are running smoothly according to MSN’s planning before we even set our medal targets,” he said. — May 9, 2025