Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri
Mohd Ali Rustam (in dark jacket)
and Sukma volunteers at a Sukma
gathering in Melaka last week.
Mohd Ali said more than 2,000
people have volunteered for the
Games, adding that the organisers
are still looking for 1,000
volunteers.
Picture: Bernama

Melaka, host of the 13th Sukma, are ready to accept the expected stream of athletes pouring into the state for the games from June 10-19 said Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.

Mohd Ali said RM50 million had been allocated to host the games, including RM11 million contributed by various corporate and government linked companies like Telekom Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

"All preparation to host the games has been put in place and only waiting for the moment to be opened officially by Yang Dipertuan Negeri Melaka Tun Khalil Yaacob on June 10," he told reporters after launching a Juara Rakyat and Pekan Budaya programme in Hulu Terengganu on Saturday night.

Mohd Ali added that 2,500 volunteers had been roped in assist in the organising of the games that is expected to feature about 9,000 athletes, 2,000 coaches and another 2,000 officials.

Earlier, Mohd Ali has given an assurance that all Malaysia Games venues will be ready by the time the competition starts.

The poor condition of the Hang Jebat Stadium pitch has put the venue's status as host for football in doubt while last week's Malaysian Open swimming championships had to be moved to Bukit Jalil after the Hang Jebat Aquatic Complex was deemed unsuitable to host the event.

Mohd Ali sought to allay those concerns by saying that measures have been undertaken to overcome any problems at the venues. "The grass will grow back in time at the Hang Jebat Stadium. Football will be held there after the grounds keeper was tasked with full authority to get it ready. "Where swimming is concerned, the national body raised a concern about the piping for the pool which we have rectified.

"While it is a pity the Malaysian Open could not be held there, we will organise a local championships to test the readiness of the swimming venue," said Mohd Ali at a press conference.

Mohd Ali invited national associations of the 33 sports to be contested at the Games to visit the venues and highlight any improvements that need to be made.

"Whatever complaints that they have, they can report them straight to me and I will make sure it is attended to," he said.

The 13th edition of the biennial Malaysia Games will run from June 10-19 although football, artistic gymnastics, wushu and silat will begin earlier. Hosts Melaka have set their sights on winning 60 of 434 gold medals on offer and finish top of the medal tally.

Courtesy from Brunei Times