The Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuala Lumpur ends in two days.
This year’s edition could serve as a benchmark on how to host the national-level, multi-sports event on a tight budget.
RM36 million was allocated for the 2022 Games, while another RM4 million will be spent on Para Sukma, from Nov 1-6.
With a total budget of RM40 million, this year’s edition is RM57 million less than what was spent at the 2018 Sukma in Perak.
According to those in the thick of the operations, the “principle of prudent expenditure” was observed this time around. This saw cost-cutting measures throughout – from the facilities, to the opening, and closing ceremonies.
“The main focus of this year’s Games is to ensure that the athletes have a platform to compete competitively, as the last edition was held in 2019 and Sukma was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19,” said the insider.
“The National Sports Council (the organiser) faced a huge challenge with the reduction in the budget, but still managed to host the event.”
The bulk of the expenditure for the 2022 Sukma was spent on sports management and technical elements, totaling RM7.5 million, followed by the management of the secretariat (RM4.65 million), and the accommodation of the athletes (RM3.8 million).
Other expenditure for this year’s event went to:
i. Information and Communications Technology – RM2.49 million, compared to RM5 million spent in 2018.
ii. Opening and closing ceremonies – RM2.38 million, compared to RM6 million in 2018.
iii. Volunteers – RM630,000, compared to RM3.9 million in 2018.
iv. Transportation – RM1 million, compared to RM5.2 million in 2018.
v. Celebration, protocol, and event management – RM220,000, compared to RM4.5 million in 2018.
It is hoped that the organisers of this, and future events, will be incentivised by the state or Federal government for being prudent, as the savings can be spent on developing sports at the state and national levels.