Sukma: The decline in the number of national records set at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor compared with the Sarawak edition two years ago is not something to be concerned about, said Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol. He emphasized that while records are important indicators of athletes' achievements, the primary objective of SUKMA is to provide a platform for emerging athletes to display their abilities and prepare for advancement to higher levels of competition.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mordi remarked, "Although there are fewer (records), for me, SUKMA is a platform for us to unearth new talents to progress to the next level." He stressed the importance of offering space and opportunities for new athletes to showcase their talents, noting that this is the most crucial element of the games. Mordi made these comments following his attendance at the Merdeka Fun Hike: Aku Kasih Malaysia program organized by the Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Drugs (PEMADAM) at Taman Tugu.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is actively monitoring the performance development of athletes and intends to implement appropriate measures to enhance the standard and quality of athletes in the country. Mordi assured, "There is no concern, but we are monitoring the situation. We are paying attention to this matter and will take the necessary measures to improve the standard and quality of our athletes."
SUKMA Selangor 2026 witnessed the breaking of two national records, a decrease from the seven national records set at the 2024 edition in Sarawak. Notable achievements included Selangor swimmer Eliza Tan Ai Shen setting a new national record in the women's 100-metre freestyle with a time of 56.78 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 57.11 seconds set by Nadia Lim at the Asian Age Group Aquatics Championships in Bangkok last July.
Additionally, the Terengganu women's track cycling team, consisting of Dahlia Hazwani Hasyim, Ameera Alya Md Zahirrudin, and twins Nur Aierin Wadhiah and Nur Aieris Madhiah Mohd Adni, set a new national record of 4 minutes 42.878 seconds in the 4,000-metre (16-lap) race. This achievement eclipsed the prior national record of 4:47.317 seconds. Johor secured the silver medal with a time of 4:47.522 seconds, while Kedah claimed the bronze.