SELANGOR expects higher costs in organising the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma), following fuel price pressures due to the Middle East conflict.
State youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said higher fuel prices were among issues monitored for Sukma preparations as well as their wider impact on traders and the public.
“At the secretariat level, we have discussed the implementation of Sukma. For now, our preparations are on track.
“We are working according to the timeline set, with Sukma to be held in August,” he told reporters at the relaunch of Giant Stadium Shah Alam in Section 13, Shah Alam.
Mohd Najwan said rising costs would be among the challenges in organising the Games, adding that any major change arising from unforeseen circumstances would depend on decisions by the Federal Government.
The effects of rising oil and diesel prices on traders, particularly in terms of transport and delivery costs, were also being monitored, he said, adding that this included the supply situation monitored by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Mohd Najwan said Selangor would assess how the price increases would affect different groups of entrepreneurs and what forms of support would be needed.
“We acknowledge that the crisis in the Middle East will have an impact on the state and national economy; that is why we need to make preparations,” he said, adding that there had been some grumbling over price increases in Selangor.
As the situation was under control, Mohd Najwan urged the public not to engage in panic buying.
“Sometimes people hear things or read text messages and then they become affected and start panic buying, when in fact the situation is under control.”
On the current hot weather, he said the matter had been discussed at the state executive council level and was being monitored.
Work-from-home (WFH) arrangements were also under discussion, although any move would need to be studied carefully, he said.
“We have to study it properly, as not all job segments are suited for WFH arrangements.
“We do not want any policy that may affect productivity.”
Mohd Najwan said any such measure would have take into account suitability and productivity across various sectors.
