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The Penang government is keen to support the organisers of the state-level Karnival Sukan Olahraga MSSPP SJK(C) (SKM) by proposing that next year’s edition be held at the City Stadium in Lorong Kulit.
The Karnival Sukan Olahraga MSSPP SJK(C) (SKM) is an annual track and field athletics championship involving Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) [SJK(C)] and Sekolah Kurang Murid (SKM) or under-enrolled schools throughout Penang. Organised under the Majlis Sukan Sekolah-Sekolah Pulau Pinang (MSSPP), the carnival serves as an important platform to identify and nurture young athletic talents from micro SJK(C) and SKM schools.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event at SK Balik Pulau today, Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen praised the successful organisation of the state-level championship and shared his vision of elevating the event further.
“Today, we have witnessed the successful organisation of a sporting event at the state level. Earlier, I had the opportunity to discuss with the organisers, and I would like to propose that next year’s carnival be held at the City Stadium.
“We want our children from SKM schools to experience competing in a high-standard sporting venue. It would be a valuable and memorable experience for them.
“I will bring this proposal forward together with the organisers and assist in securing a slot with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) so that the City Stadium can be used as the venue for next year’s event.
“We will do our best to realise this aspiration,” he said.
The state-level Karnival Sukan Olahraga MSSPP SJK(C) (SKM) 2026 was organised by SJK(C) (SKM) Zone Balik Pulau in collaboration with the Southwest District Education Office (PPD).
The four-day championship was held from June 22 to June 25, bringing together student-athletes from across the state in a celebration of sportsmanship, perseverance and talent.
Gooi also congratulated SJK(C) (SKM) Zone Balik Pulau and the Southwest District Education Office for successfully organising this year’s event.
“From only seven schools participating in the district-level competition last year, the programme has now expanded into a state-level championship involving 12 schools and 353 students.
“This is an achievement we can all be proud of. We are aware that under-enrolled schools face their own unique challenges.
“These include smaller student populations, limited facilities, constraints in space and resources, all of which can sometimes restrict opportunities to participate in large-scale sporting competitions,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Gooi believes that SKM schools also possess distinct strengths.
“In SKM schools, every student can receive more personalised attention, guidance and support from their teachers.
“Every talent has the opportunity to be discovered and nurtured, and every child is given the space to grow according to his or her potential.
“That is why I have always believed that there is no single school that is best for everyone. Every school has its own strengths and advantages, and what matters most is finding the school that best suits a child’s development and individual needs,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En