Sukma: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has advised that the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) scheduled to be held in Selangor should be postponed until the ongoing crisis in West Asia is resolved and the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is completed.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed concerns about the high allocation required for hosting SUKMA in the current economic climate. He emphasized the importance of postponing the games until the region's stability is restored and infrastructure improvements are finished. His comments were made during the opening of the fourth session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari had previously mentioned that the biennial Games, set for August 15 to 24, would proceed on a smaller scale to manage costs while maintaining the number of sports and events. However, the Sultan's recommendation underscores the challenges faced in organizing such events amid economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

In addition to the SUKMA discussions, Sultan Sharafuddin announced the cancellation of the annual Sultan of Selangor Cup football match between Selangor and Singapore. Despite this, he approved a Jubilee Cup football tournament for under-15 school students from various districts across Selangor. This initiative aims to foster young talent and promote a sporting spirit at the grassroots level, recognizing football's popularity in the region.