KUCHING, Sept 9: The state government is aware of unsatisfactory accommodation for athletes at the 19th edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be held in Perak from Sept 12-22.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth, and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told DayakDaily that they have raised the issue up at the chef de mission (CDM) meeting in Perak this morning.
“I have also informed the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) of these problems faced by athletes in this Sukma,” he said when asked about this issue which has gone viral online.
“We hope the host Perak can resolve these problems fast,” he added.
Abdul Karim said that Sarawak has an alternative plan to move its athletes to budget hotels or homestays in the event the accommodation are not fit for habitation.
He is also optimistic that Sarawak Sukma team will make a big impact in the games.
Abdul Karim said he is enthusiastically looking forward to the event and revealed that he will be with the team on Sept 11.
“We will make a big impact down there but of course we want to see Sarawak win overall.
“Yes, it is high time that the state team should do that.” he said when asked on the state’s prospects of becoming overall champion.
Sukma is held biennially, with Sarawak hosting the last instalment in 2016.
Sarawak was last overall champion in three consecutive Sukma in 1990, 1992 and 1994.
With a battle cry of “Agi Idup Agi Ngeleban, Siapa Juara Kita Juara”, Sarawak is sending a strong contingent of 700 athletes to this year’s games to recapture the champion title.
The games are expected to be graced on Sept 11, by Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak.
Yesterday, The Star reported that several state badminton teams walked out from ‘deplorable’ living conditions in hostels prepared for Sukma athletes in Perak, and checked into hostels. They claimed that the living environment at the hostels was not conducive for their players. — DayakDaily
