PETALING JAYA: Media Prima Bhd today received sponsorship from the Perak government for coverage of the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be held in the state.
The sponsorship cheque was officially handed over by Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu to Media Prima Group (MPB) managing director Datuk Kamal Khalid and Sports editor Abdullah Sani at the theatrerette at Sri Pentas here.
Also present was Media Prima Television Networks chief executive officer Johan Ishak.
In his speech at the event, Ahmad Faizal said that he hopes the sporting event will run smoothly.
“As the host of this sporting event, we cannot help but to feel worried. We hope to be the best host and meet all the needs of the athletes, officials, the media and (Perakians) as well.
“We are hoping that this Sukma will be the biggest and liveliest since its inception.
“We hope that MPB will help the state government by giving the best and widest coverage throughout the event,” he said.
Ahmad Faizal said several problems related to Sukma preparations – such as the rotten wooden surface of the Velodrome Rakyat track – have been ironed out, and the state is ready to open its doors to all involved in the event.
In June, state Human Capital Development, Sports and Youth Committee chairman Howard Lee Chuan How announced that the track cycling event at Sukma will be cancelled over claims that the Velodrome Rakyat is not safe for use.
“Alhamdulillah, the track cycling event has been certified by the International Cycling Union (UCI),” said Faizal.
Meanwhile, Abdullah said for the Sukma coverage, a crew of 20 will be sent to the state to cover the competition.
“Through this sponsorship, we will be presenting highlights from national sporting events in our various channels – TV3, ntv7, 8TV and TV9,” he said.
Sukma in Perak will take place from Sept 11 to 22, with some 11,000 athletes and officials from 14 state contingents expected in the state.
In total, 29 sports disciplines will be contested at 39 venues in 12 districts throughout Perak.
The opening of Sukma will be officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah on Sept 11.
Perak hosted Sukma’s fifth edition in 1994.