Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA), a biennial youth sports event organised by the National Sports Council (MSN) of Malaysia, has been a cornerstone in the development of sports across the nation since its inception in 1986. This year, Sarawak has been honoured to host the 21st edition of SUKMA from August 17 to 24, 2024, marking its third time as the host after previous successful runs in 1990 and 2016.
SUKMA XXI was organised in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), the National Sports Association, and the Sarawak state government. Beyond the showcase of athletic prowess, the event is a testament to the power of collaboration and unity among various government agencies, sponsors, and partners who have come together to ensure the success of this landmark event.
Sports Facilities Upgrade: A Major Undertaking
In preparation for SUKMA XXI, Sarawak has undertaken extensive upgrades and constructions across 24 existing sports facilities and three new ones; the Petra Jaya Cricket and Rugby Field at the Petra Jaya Sports Complex, the Sarawak Wushu Training Centre at the Sarawak Sports Complex, and the Sarawak Sports Village in Petra Jaya.
Meanwhile, the facilities identified for upgrades are the Sarawak Stadium, Sarawak State Stadium, Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, Law Bowl Arena in Petra Jaya, Sarawak State Hockey Stadium in Padungan, Petra Jaya Hockey Stadium, BMX Track Hill in Bukit Siol, Archery Range in Petra Jaya, Sarawak Shooting Range in Petra Jaya, Sarawak Squash Centre, Sarawak Petanque Centre in Santubong, Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya, SLTA Tennis Court, MBKS Basketball Court, Samarahan Indoor Stadium, Sri Aman Sports Complex Indoor Stadium, Stadium Tun Zaidi in Sibu, Sibu Indoor Stadium, Mukah Stadium, Bintulu Outdoor Stadium, Stadium Muhibbah Bintulu, Petronas Sports Village in Miri, Stadium Miri, and Stadium Bandaraya Miri.
These enhancements are not only for the current games but are also part of the broader vision to prepare Sarawak for hosting the 34th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027. Similarly, the Sarawak cricket ground located at the Sarawak Sports Complex in Petra Jaya will similarly continue to be upgraded into a stadium with complete facilities after SUKMA XXI.
To make SUKMA XXI a success, the Sarawak government has ambitiously invested RM300 million, supported by RM144.6 million from the federal government under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). This investment reflects Sarawak’s commitment to fostering sports development and creating a legacy that will benefit future generations.
A Collaborative Effort: Agencies and Committees
The successful execution of SUKMA 2024 is the result of meticulous planning and coordination among various agencies. The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) has played a central role, supported by key government bodies like the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications (MUT), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), and the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS). More than 20 special committees have been established to handle logistics, food, security, and other essential aspects, ensuring the event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Safety and security are paramount, with a dedicated committee led by PDRM tasked with overseeing the protection of athletes and venues. The collaboration between these agencies, including the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM), BOMBA, and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), exemplifies the spirit of unity that has become the hallmark of SUKMA 2024.
The Role of Sponsors: Integral to Success
In addition to the efforts of government agencies, the event has garnered substantial support from corporate sponsors, whose contributions have been crucial in making SUKMA 2024 a reality. Leading the charge are the event’s partners, including Malaysia Airlines (airline partner), Grab (e-hailing partner), Keris Sakti (merchandise partner), Rapid Bus (transport partner), and TVS alongside Radio Televisyen Malaysia (official broadcasters).
Platinum sponsors such as CelcomDigi, U Mobile, MOMA, and Milo have provided significant financial backing, helping to cover the costs of organizing this massive event. Meanwhile, Gold sponsors like Sarawak Energy, Petroleum Sarawak, Petronas, Sarawak Information Systems, and Ta Ann Holdings have also played vital roles in supporting the infrastructure and operational needs of the games.
Silver and Bronze sponsors, including Affin Group, Bintulu Development Authority, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation, KTS Group of Companies, and others, have contributed in various capacities, showcasing the widespread support for SUKMA 2024 across different sectors.
Fostering Unity and Talent Development
The theme for this year’s games, “Semangat Perpaduan Membara,” encapsulates the spirit of unity that SUKMA 2024 aims to foster. With more than 15,000 participants from across Malaysia, including Brunei, the event was set to be the largest SUKMA Festival ever organised in Sarawak. The involvement of over 4,000 volunteers, many from government agencies, further highlights the collective effort to make this event a success.
Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised the importance of this event in cultivating young sports talent in Sarawak.
“SUKMA 2024 will make a significant contribution to the development of our youth and sport,” he stated, reinforcing the role of sports in uniting the community and fostering future champions.
Event Legacy and Sarawak’s Triumphant Return as Champion
SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 is not just a showcase of athletic talent; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of sports in Malaysia and Sarawak’s commitment to fostering excellence. This event marks a historic moment as Sarawak emerges as the overall champion of SUKMA for the first time in 30 years. The last time Sarawak held this title was in 1994, and reclaiming it now underscores the state’s dedication to nurturing young athletes and investing in their development.
The success of Sarawak in this edition of SUKMA is attributed to years of meticulous planning, relentless training, and strategic collaborations. The state’s investment in upgrading sports facilities and providing world-class training environments played a pivotal role in this victory. The involvement of various government agencies, alongside corporate sponsors and local communities, created a strong support system that propelled the athletes to their peak performance.
Moreover, the legacy of SUKMA XXI extends beyond the games. The infrastructure upgrades and the collective experience gained in hosting such a large-scale event will have lasting impacts on Sarawak’s sports landscape. The new and improved facilities will serve as breeding grounds for future champions, ensuring that Sarawak remains a key player in Malaysia’s sports arena. This legacy will inspire a new generation of athletes, helping to elevate the standard of sports in the state and across the nation.
As Sarawak hosted SUKMA 2024, the collaboration between government agencies, sponsors, and volunteers stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when different sectors work together towards a common goal. This event is but one of the many achievements towards the journey of building a legacy of unity, talent development, and community engagement that will resonate long after the final whistle blows.
References
- “History of SUKMA”
- “Sarawak as the Host of SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024”
- “SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024”
- “Sarawak Achievement In SUKMA”
- “Volunteers are given tokens, appreciation for serving throughout SUKMA 2024”
- “Sarawak tightens the security level of SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024”
- “Federal govt contributes RM50 mln to Sukma, Para-Sukma Games 2024 in Sarawak”
- “Sukma XXI: S’wak govt to finish upgrading 24 sports facilities, constructing 3 more by July”
- “Sukma: 24 Facilities To Be Upgraded, Three New Ones Under Construction”
- “Sports equipment & facilities in Sarawak are improved”
- “New cricket field launched in Petra Jaya”
- “S’wak Wushu Centre built in time for 21st Sukma”
- “Sarawak invested RM300 mln to improve facilities for SUKMA: Abdul Karim”
- “KBS Hails S’wak For Facility Upgrades, Top-notch Shooting Range Electronic System”
- “Sarawak Stadium facilities will be upgraded”
- “Sarawak cricket field to be upgraded after SUKMA – Abdul Karim”
