KUCHING: Sarawak is still discussing with the Federal Government on the amount of funding to be allocated for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in the state in August, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said the bulk of the cost for hosting the Games would be borne by the state government, with some assistance from Putrajaya.
He said Sukma chief executive officer Datuk Hii Chang Kee had a discussion with the Youth and Sports Ministry last weekend on the federal allocation for the Games.
"They need to discuss it with the Finance Ministry before deciding how much funds to allocate," he told reporters after launching the Sarawak Quick Facts book, 2024 calendar of tourism events and Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards here on Monday (March 11).
Abdul Karim also said preparations for Sukma were progressing smoothly, including upgrading and constructing sports facilities and getting athletes ready.
He said the sports village was about 90% completed while facilities for wushu, rugby and cricket were under construction.
"The state government has also approved the construction of a velodrome next to the Sarawak sports complex in Petra Jaya here.
"This is the one sports facility we still lack in Sarawak. Once the velodrome is ready, our facilities will be complete and we will be able to host more sports events," he said.
Abdul Karim added that 25 working committees had been set up to plan and organise the Games, which will take place from Aug 17-24.
"This will be the biggest Sukma yet, involving 37 sports with more than 400 events in total.
"It will have a huge multiplier effect on the hospitality industry in Sarawak," he said.
Among the sports are softball, cricket, kabaddi, silambam and chess.
