Kuala terengganu: A significant decision has been made to eliminate the traditional games village for the upcoming SUKMA 2026, which will be hosted in Selangor. This move has been met with support in Terengganu, as athletes express their preference for choosing their own accommodations. The absence of a centralized games village allows athletes to select their own lodging, instead of being assigned potentially uncomfortable rooms and dealing with early-prepared meals that pose risks such as food poisoning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these remarks were made during the Terengganu athletes academic excellence appreciation programme. The event celebrated the achievements of 40 athletes who excelled in the 2025 SPM, rewarding them with monetary incentives ranging from RM300 to RM500 for their outstanding academic performances.

Despite the positive reception of the decision to forego a centralized village, Terengganu's sports officials, including Hishamuddin, acknowledged the challenges this could present. The management of logistics for a large number of athletes without a central hub will require careful coordination by state contingents.

Hishamuddin urged the organizers of SUKMA Selangor 2026 to reconsider the RM100 daily subsidy allocated for each athlete. He highlighted the rising costs of food, accommodation, and transportation, exacerbated by increasing diesel prices, which are creating financial strain on state contingents.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari recently confirmed that SUKMA 2026 will proceed without a centralized games village. Instead, athletes will receive a RM100 daily subsidy to cover their accommodation and other related expenses during the Games scheduled for August.