KUALA LUMPUR – The opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) will be scaled down significantly as the Selangor government moves to slash the overall cost of hosting the multi-sport event.
Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the state government is targeting a substantial reduction in expenditure, with cuts largely focused on non-essential elements such as ceremonial events.
“Major savings will come from areas like the opening and closing ceremonies, which will be simplified and possibly turned into symbolic occasions rather than large-scale productions,” he briefly told Scoop when contacted.
Originally allocated at around RM100 million, the budget is now expected to be reduced to between RM40 million and RM50 million, nearly half of the initial figure.
Najwan explained that the decision reflects current economic considerations as well as guidance from the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who has called for a more prudent and measured approach to organising the Games without compromising their core objectives.
As part of the cost-cutting measures, the earlier proposal to stage the opening ceremony at Sepang International Circuit has also been scrapped.
A more cost-effective venue will be announced in due course.
Despite the scaled-down approach, Najwan stressed that the quality of competition and technical standards will remain unaffected.
“There will be no compromise when it comes to the sporting aspect. Our priority is to ensure athletes can compete in a proper and professional environment,” he said.
He added that no new infrastructure will be built for the games. Instead, existing facilities — including stadiums and aquatic centres — will be upgraded to ensure long-term usability beyond the event.
The number of volunteers will also be significantly reduced, from more than 30,000 initially planned to fewer than 5,000. However, their allowances will be maintained.
Najwan reiterated that the primary focus of Sukma 2026 remains athlete development, with less emphasis placed on grandeur and spectacle. - May 4, 2026
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