KUALA LUMPUR — The 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor this year will be organised on a smaller scale to reduce costs without affecting the number of sports and events contested.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the decision was made after the organising committee took into account the global energy crisis and its economic impact, which is also being felt in Malaysia.
He said the committee had carefully considered all aspects and decided to proceed with the biennial games scheduled from August 15 to 24.
“The cost-saving measures will not affect the quality of sports, athletes or anything related to the competitions themselves. They are more focused on ceremonial aspects and avoiding excessive spending.
“This has received full commitment from the host, the Selangor state government, and is supported and agreed upon by representatives from all states,” he told a press conference after the Sukma 2026 Supreme Committee meeting at Menara Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS) in Putrajaya today, reported Bernama.
Taufiq said all previously planned venues will be maintained, with organisers ensuring that no additional costs are incurred beyond the approved allocation.
He said postponing Sukma could have greater financial implications for organisers, stressing that staging the games is crucial to ensuring the sustainable development of emerging athletes in preparation for future major competitions.
“If we postpone or do not hold it this year, it will not only have financial implications but also affect our preparations for a bigger event, namely the 2027 SEA Games, which Malaysia will host.
“So, the preparation of athletes and this (Sukma) essentially serves as a dry run for how we organise high-level sporting events, which is why we made this decision,” he said.
Meanwhile, Taufiq said the same cost-saving approach will be adopted for the 2027 SEA Games, which will be held across Sarawak, Penang, Johor and Kuala Lumpur, involving 38 sports.
“We are also looking at the SEA Games in the context of the current financial climate and will adjust accordingly,” he said. — April 9, 2026