Sukma infrastructure wanting, publicity lacking, says Perak MCA

Loh and Perak MCA committee member Kew Mook Choy (right) say having a lamp post right in the middle of the road is a problem.

IPOH: The Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2018 is opening in less than 72 hours, but concerns over the infrastructure at several sporting venues have cropped up, raising concerns over the state's readiness to play host, according to the Perak MCA.

Its Public Services and Complaints bureau chief Jimmy Loh said the most obvious issue concerning Sukma venues was the entrance road to the Darul Ridzuan Shooting Complex in Kampung Ulu Chepor.

"The road leading to the venue has been widened and re-tarred.

"But the road at the junction that leads to the venue is still not ready, and there was a row of lamp posts right in the middle of the widened road.

"Why not re-tar the road only after relocating the lamp posts? The lamp posts in the middle of the road could be really confusing to motorists," he told a press conference here on Saturday (Sept 8).

Loh also pointed out that parts of the fencing at Stadium Indera Mulia in Kampung Simee were broken and still not replaced.

"The access road to the stadium was completed, but no road lines were painted to indicate the carriageway's direction.

"Also, the walking path outside Perak Stadium, which will be the main venue for the games' opening, is still in deplorable condition with its uneven and broken surface. 

"Imagine the crowds that will be using the walkway to get to the stadium throughout the games. Shouldn't all these have been done a long time ago when the state was making preparations to host the games? 

"There should not have been any rushed work," Loh said.

This year will be Perak's second time hosting the games, currently in its 19th edition. The first time was in 1994 during the fifth edition.

About 11,000 athletes and officials from 14 state contingents are expected to converge on Perak, with some having already arrived earlier to prepare and train for the games.

Loh said that promotional efforts had also been lacklustre, with not much seen in the way decoration, publicity or banners.

"Details of the games' opening and the sporting events should be announced to the public in various media platforms, so that Malaysian can show their support.

"But right now, we do not even know who is coming for the official opening ceremony," he added.

Meanwhile, Perak Sports Committee chairman Howard Lee Chuan How is expected to call for a press conference regarding the Sukma venue later in the evening.