The Perak state government estimate the cost of building new venues, upgrading existing ones and hosting the 2018 SUKMA to incur about RM162 million.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the cost involves building a new swimming pool, upgrading the shooting range, Perak Stadium and other venues.

"Upgrading the Perak Stadium is expected to cost between RM15 and RM20 million, shooting range about RM12 million and building a new swimming pool with a capacity of 2,000 would cost about RM45 million," he said after opening the Perak Podium Programme (P3) here today.

The Perak Podium Programme is a programme to prepare athletes for the SUKMA and produce elite athletes who can represent the state and country.

Zambry said 65 potential gold medal winning athletes have been identified for the programme in 24 sports and aimed to prepare these athletes to clinch the overall title in the SUKMA.

-- BERNAMA