By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Feb 7: Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is concerned that the importation of sports material and equipment from Europe for Sukma 2024 may be delayed due to ongoing global wars.
He said the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma 2024), which is to be hosted by Sarawak, is over 100 days away, and any deferral could disrupt the training schedule of local athletes and the repair of sports facilities.
“That is one of my worries, but I have full faith in the organising committee. I cannot say I am happy, but things are moving.
“We have also appointed Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee as the chair of the organising committee, who will be overseeing the overall organisation of Sukma 2024,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), said sports facility upgrades over nine divisions in Sarawak are running smoothly as contractors have been identified.
Once all the necessary materials and equipment arrive, he said, the following arrangements for the athletes’ training could be carried out.
Abdul Karim was speaking at a press conference after officiating MTCP’s Integrity Day 2024 at a local hotel here today.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and acting permanent secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan. — DayakDaily
