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THE Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has suggested that the hosting of the SUKMA 2026 in Selangor be postponed until geopolitical tensions in West Asia ease and the Shah Alam Stadium project is fully completed.
Speaking at the opening of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session, His Majesty said the proposed multi-sport event would require substantial public expenditure, making a delay more appropriate given current economic conditions.
“In the current economic situation, I am of the view that it would be more appropriate for the event to be postponed until the crisis in the Middle East has ended and until the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed,” His Majesty said.
He also issued a separate directive that the annual Sultan of Selangor Cup football match between Selangor and Singapore in 2026 be cancelled.
However, His Majesty said a youth-focused football initiative should instead be introduced to nurture grassroots talent.
“I consent that a Jubilee Silver Cup football tournament be organised involving school students under 15 years old, between districts across the entire state of Selangor, as an effort to nurture young talent and instil sporting spirit at grassroots level.
In addition, football is the most popular sport among the people of Selangor,” he said.
The Sultan was accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, and Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Earlier reports indicated that SUKMA 2026 would proceed as scheduled from 15 to 24 August next year despite global economic pressures linked to energy costs and geopolitical instability.
That decision was reached during a meeting of the SUKMA 2026 Supreme Committee chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, with representatives from the Malaysian Olympic Council and National Sports Council also present.
The games are expected to feature 474 events across 37 sports, involving more than 50 venues across Selangor and selected facilities in other states. - April 20, 2026