Budget for opening and closing reduced to RM20m

03/07/1998

THE opening and closing ceremonies of the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games,
earlier estimated to cost RM40 million but reduced to RM25 million, have
now been further reduced to RM20.5 million.
Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who chaired the Commonwealth
Games Executive Committee at the Sports Ministry yesterday, said the
reduction is because of a cut in the training sessions.
"We are not compromising on the quality of the ceremonies but have cut
down on the rehearsals which are quite costly."
"Invitation cards for 4,000 guests for the opening and closing
ceremonies will be distributed later this month. The list will include the
Rulers and all the Yang Dipertua Negeri," said Muhyiddin.
On ticket sales, which are still slow despite the nationwide promotions,
Muhyiddin said Sukom Ninety Eight will now work with the Tourism
Development Cooperation to sell tickets in Singapore.
"Their dollar is still strong so we have decided to tap into the
Singapore market. We will sell tickets, not packages, to promote the Games
with the help of the Singapore Sports Council."
Meanwhile, the Doping Control Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia in
Penang has received the green light from the International Olympic
Committee and will undergo a trial run during the Pre-Games on July 11-19.
"The Centre has undergone successful IOC tests and we are expected to
get an accreditation letter in the next few days. Random tests will be
conducted on urine samples sent there.
* Muhyiddin said all associations must submit reports on their pre-Games
competition within one week after the events end to enable Games
organisers Sukom to identify weaknesses and take steps to overcome them.
The committee was also briefed on the public transport system which
would be tested from early September to familiarise the public with the
various modes of transport like LRT, buses, taxies and commuter to go to
the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil.
* The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have submitted the names of 30
athletes for the Queen's baton run from Dataran Merdeka to the Main
Stadium. The final runner would be named later.
* All the 100,000 free tickets to attend the pre-Games have been snapped
up.
* As early preparations, all secretariats under the Executive Committee
would move to the International Zone of the Games Village in Bukit Jalil
to facilitate preparation and co-ordination.
(END)