KUALA LUMPUR — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has given his consent for the state to host the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma), but in a prudent manner.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports said Sultan Sharafuddin agreed to allowing the state to host the Games, scheduled for August 15 to 24, by adopting cost-saving measures.
The Ruler gave his consent following an audience with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on April 23, according to Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari in the statement.
Taufiq expressed his gratitude to Sultan Sharafuddin for his consent and thanked the Prime Minister for prioritising the nation’s young athletes in deciding to proceed with the Games.
“Moreover, Sukma 2026 serves as a key platform for selecting and preparing young athletes to represent Malaysia at the SEA Games, which will be held here next year,” the minister said.
He has also discussed the matter with Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who pledged the state government’s full cooperation to ensure Sukma Selangor 2026 is organised effectively.
Taufiz added that he and the Selangor Executive Council members for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship have received consent to have an audience with Sultan Sharafuddin this Wednesday to update His Highness on planning for the Games.
The Sukma Selangor 2026 Secretariat is to present the latest updates on preparations, especially the cost-saving measures as decreed by the Sultan, at a meeting this Thursday.
On April 20, Sultan Sharafuddin had decreed a postponement of Sukma Selangor 2026 until the US-Israel war on Iran is resolved, and until the the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed.
State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Exco Mohd Najwan Halimi said the Selangor government hoped to obtained federal funds to host the Games, which the sports community views as important for athletes’ preparation for future competitions. – April 26, 2026