Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man has given his assurance that all competition venues for the 17th Malaysia Games (Sukma) will be ready as scheduled before the championship kicks off on May 24.

He said the construction of the swimming pool for the aquatic events and the main stadium, which were delayed, were expected to be fully ready by the end of March.

"Work on other venues are going smoothly and on schedule and I give my assurance they can be used fully. Accommodation facilities for the 10,000 athletes and officials are also completed.

"Tests will be conducted first to ensure they are done according to the stipulated specifications and standards," Azlan told reporters after launching the 17th Sukma Torch Run at the Mara Arcade here, today.

Prior to this, Youth and Sport Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who inspected the competition venues last month, had expressed his concern as the construction of the swimming pool and stadium were behind schedule.

The State government and its agencies were taking the necessary measures to meet the needs of the athletes and officials, other than tourists visiting Kangar to witness the Sukma, Azlan added.