KUCHING, April 23 — The 18th Malaysia Games (Sukma) scheduled to be held in July in Sarawak will boost the development of the sports industry and facilities in the state, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said the Games would indirectly bring in more investments in the local sports industry apart from building up young athletes from Sarawak.       

“Various facilities and infrastructure have been developed and upgraded by the state and federal governments. Among them, upgrading the Sarawak Stadium, Petra Jaya Sports Complex, international standard aquatic and diving sports complex, construction of a new lawn bowls court, squash and others,” he said.

Khairy, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth chief told this to reporters after opening the BN Youth Operation Rooms for the state election in Petra Jaya here.

Also present was Sarawak BN Youth chief Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf, who is also Works Minister.

About 9,000 national athletes and athletes from Brunei Darussalam would be taking part in the games.

The majority of the events will be held in Kuching while Sibu will host badminton and volleyball while karate, sepak takraw and sailing would be held in Miri. — Bernama