Shah alam: The rhythmic swimming event has been dropped from the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), scheduled to take place from August 15 to 24, after failing to attract sufficient participation from states.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi stated that the decision reduced the total number of events contested to 469 from the original 474. He explained that the decision was made during the recent SUKMA 2026 Supreme Special Committee Meeting, as the competition requirements mandate participation from at least six states. The lack of entries for rhythmic swimming led to its withdrawal.
Mohd Najwan, who also chairs the 22nd SUKMA and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 Executive Committee, confirmed that the biennial games would still feature 37 sports as originally planned. The dates for SUKMA and Para SUKMA, along with the use of 52 competition venues, remain unchanged.
He further mentioned that the state government plans to implement cost-saving measures, reducing the estimated hosting expenditure from RM100 million to between RM40 million and RM50 million. These measures include scaling down the opening ceremony, which was initially set to occur at the Sepang International Circuit, to a smaller, yet-to-be-determined venue.
The cost-cutting efforts will also involve reducing the number of volunteers from the original target of 30,000 to fewer than 5,000. Existing sports facilities will be fully utilized, avoiding the construction of new infrastructure. An implementation committee meeting with government departments and agencies will be convened to finalize joint decisions on these matters.
During today's programme, Mohd Najwan commented that the torch run aimed to promote the SUKMA and Para SUKMA Games. The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) served as the first host in conjunction with the local authority-level Vehicle-Free Day programme. The torch run will involve 12 local authorities throughout Selangor, with MBSA launching the programme today and the closing event to be held at D'Pulze Cyberjaya under the Sepang Municipal Council.
Previously, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, suggested postponing the SUKMA Selangor 2026 until the crisis in West Asia subsides and the reconstruction of Shah Alam Stadium is completed. However, he later agreed that the biennial games should proceed prudently after discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.