Sukan Sarawak (Suksar) 2024 will see the exclusion of track and field events as Form 5 students are tied up with their SPM exams, says Sarawak Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.

“Most of the athletes for these events are currently in Form 5 and will be sitting for their SPM examination.

“This is why we did not include this (track and field) in Suksar next year,” he said at the closing ceremony of Sibu Open Track and Field Championship 2023 at Azman Hashim Sports Complex.

A total of 900 athletes from Sarawak, Johor and Brunei participated in the championships organised by Sibu Division Amateur Athletics Association.

On preparations for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma), Gerald said the timing system had been tested during the Sibu Open Track and Field Championship as Sarawak was Sukma 2024 host.

“We are testing our electronic timing system.

“If we don’t test it, we won’t know, and considering we have about 250 days left (to Sukma) this is our platform, not only in terms of preparation, scouting new athletes and new talents.

“We also want to assess technical preparations (through championships like this).

“We hope to have more technical officers from Sarawak.

“So, we are not bringing in people from abroad,” he said. -The Star