JOHOR BAHRU, 12 July – With 97 percent of the venues and facilities completed, Johor gave the thumbs up to play host for the Sukma (Malaysia Games) 2020 even much earlier than the proposed dates in March next year.Johor Chief Minister, Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohamad who visited several venues in Johor Bahru on Sunday proudly said the biennial Malaysia Games will be the best ever in the series and nothing has been left out in providing world facilities for the athletes.
This is the second time that Johor is hosting the Sukma.
The first was in 1992. Sukma Johor 2020 was originally slated from July 11-19 2020 but had to be postponed to next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has brought all sporting activities worldwide to a virtual standstill.
Hasni sings a confident tune that the Southern State is ready ‘to deliver the games’ even if it was brought forward to March next year.
The Sukma Supreme Council is expected to meet in August instead of October as hinted by Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican after he visited the venues last week.
The Ministery of Health and the National Security Council will have the final say in deciding on the dates and give the green light for Sukma Johor 2020.
”Everything is in place. The progress is now 97 percent completed and we are ready to host and welcome everyone for the games,” said Hasni at a press conference on Sunday at the Johor Sports Complex in on the outskirts of the city.
Also present were Johor State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Youth and Sports, and Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor (KPRJ).
KPRJ is building new facilities at various venues for Sukma Johor 2020.
“The facilities are world-class. Johor will give the best for the athletes and we have not cut corners as we want to be the best ever Sukma host,” added Hasni.
The new Johor Sports Complex in Mount Austin will have a track and field stadium, a rugby field, and a shooting range.
Johor Bahru will host 28 sports while Muar will host three and Kota Tinggi two.
About The Author
