Perak will host the 20th edition of the SUKMA in 2018, said state Youth, Sports, Communications and Multimedia committee chairman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya.

The official announcement has yet to be made by the SUKMA Supreme Council, he said.

"We were verbally notified about the decision to award Perak the host job for the 2018 SUKMA. We have started preparations in anticipation of the host job since organising such a mega event will take three to four years," he said after launching The Bos Gaurus project (TBG) 1618 at the state Youth and Sports
Department, here Tuesday.

The TBG 1618 project is a programme to ensure every athletes' welfare is cared for.

"The welfare of athletes who represent Perak in the 2016 and 2018 SUKMA Games will be taken care of under the programme. They will undergo intensive training at state and national level as well as be given allowances based on the performance.

Shahrul Zaman said athletes selected for the 2016 SUKMA to be hosted by Sarawak from July 22 to 31, were undergoing training.

"About 600 athletes have been selected to represent Perak in the 2016 SUKMA. We are monitoring their progress," he said.