TAWAU: Sabah is interested in bidding to host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2032 by leveraging its experience as Sukma host back in 2002.
This move is also expected to boost the development of infrastructure, particularly sports facilities in the State.
Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, revealed that the intention is not a secret and is already widely known, and has been conveyed to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“The Chief Minister is also aware of this intention and has given positive feedback,” he said when met during a press conference in conjunction with the 55th Sabah State U17 Basketball Championship at the Basketball Stadium, Tawau Basketball Association here on Sunday.
Nizam said the proposal has also been informally communicated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, but details must first be presented to the Sabah State Cabinet (MKNS) before further action can be taken.
He said that for the high-impact sports event, Sarawak hosted Sukma in 2024, with Selangor set to host the 2026 edition followed by Kelantan in 2028, before Sabah is expected to host the 2032 edition.
“We will bring this matter to the MKNS level to obtain Cabinet support first, and we hope the sports community will also support our efforts to elevate Sabah’s reputation at the national level and further onto the international stage.
“That is why, as the minister in this ministry, I am committed to visiting all sports complexes throughout Sabah to ensure that existing facilities are in good condition and of high quality, especially to meet the required standards as a Sukma host,” he said.
Earlier, the Sukma Steering Committee had offered hosting rights in 2023, paving the way for Sabah to continue its bid to become the host of the nation’s largest sporting event.
Meanwhile, Sabah is aiming to position itself as a leading force in youth basketball in Malaysia through a more structured and systematic sports development agenda.
Nizam said recent achievements at the national level reflect the effectiveness of ongoing talent development efforts.
He said the State women’s team secured third place while the men’s team finished among the top five at the 29th Maba/Matrix Cup. “This shows that our talent development system is on the right track,” he said.
Nizam said continued organisation of competitive tournaments is crucial in nurturing players’ mental resilience and tactical understanding at higher levels.
He stressed that participation in the sport should be more inclusive, involving broader representation including Bumiputera players.
He said basketball can serve as a platform for unity and integration among Sabah’s multiracial communities, especially among youth.
A total of 22 teams are taking part in the championship, comprising 13 men’s teams and nine women’s teams, with a focus on identifying players aged 17 and below.
Nizam added that organising tournaments outside Kota Kinabalu is a positive approach to uncover grassroots talent statewide, with potential to develop players capable of competing at national and international levels.
