By Christopher Lidom and Nur Ashikin Louise
KUCHING, March 17: The Sarawak government through Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak will expedite the upgrading process of sports facilities here in time for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, especially the velodrome.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said its Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah will make the necessary preparation for Sarawak to become the host.
“We should do it as soon as possible. The rest, we already have the facilities, we just need to upgrade them,” he told reporters when met after officiating at the Borneo International Garden Expo Sarawak (BIGEXS) 2023 at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) today.
Asked if the Sarawak government supports the decision for Sarawak to host Sukma 2024, Abang Johari is of the opinion that Sarawak was chosen as a host because other states had refused.
“Maybe there are reasons for that, because usually the federal budget is there but it is always insufficient, and for us, Sarawak wants to contribute to the national interest,” he added.
Abang Johari said organising the event is important as it will provide Sarawakian athletes with exposure.
“We will organise Sukma events in other division too. For example, the boxing event will take place in Sri Aman, badminton event in Sibu or maybe in Miri.
“So we will spread out the event throughout the region. This is what is being planned by the Sarawak government,” he said. — DayakDaily
