S’wak to host Sukma in 2016 — Khairy

0

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday announced that Sarawak was unanimously chosen to host the 16th SUKMA in 2016.

The decision to award the host job to Sarawak which last hosted the Sukma in 1990, was unanimous by the Sukma Supreme Council.

“I welcome the decision (Sarawak to host 2016 Sukma) because there is a huge possibility that Malaysia will host the SEA Games in 2017 (depending on the cabinet’s decision).

“…and like instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, a number of sports will be staged in Sabah and Sarawak. The Sarawak state government has also invested heavily in sports development,” he told reporters after chairing a Sukma Supreme Council meeting at the National Sports Council (NSC), here, yesterday.

Khairy said under normal circumstances the cost of hosting the Sukma would be borne by the Federal government, including the upgrading of facilities and venues.

He said the 2014 Sukma to be hosted by Perlis would involve a cost of about RM130 million which includes building new infrastructure in the state.

“Preparations for the Sukma in Perlis is progressing smoothly and the upgrading of venues and facilities is going on according to plan. We have also made a number of amendments to the registration of athletes. All athletes would also undergo tests to prevent athletes consuming alcohol.

“Amendments were needed to ensure the registration of athletes will not be bogged by problems. Doping tests would also be carried out during the games,” he said. — Bernama