KUALA LUMPUR – Despite Malaysia preparing to host the 2027 SEA Games, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has no intention of unnecessary spending on new projects.
Instead, Minister Hannah Yeoh intends to focus on upgrading existing facilities, while placing greater emphasis on developing grassroots sports and core areas of sport.
Speaking to Scoop after launching the 2024 Hari Sukan Negara today, Hannah said her ministry has yet to discuss specific figures with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) ahead of the Budget 2025 tabling but hopes to secure a substantial allocation to support several ongoing initiatives, such as the Road to Gold (RTG) and para-athlete development programmes.
For context, RM72 million was allocated to sports under the 2024 Budget, including RM40 million for the national Podium Programme, RM20 million for RTG, and RM12 million for para-athletes.
“With facilities, we are no longer constructing mega projects. Instead, we will use the funds to upgrade existing ones.
“I want to prioritise swimming pools and squash courts,” said Hannah, who has been meticulous and prudent with the ministry’s expenditure since taking office two years ago.
It is crucial to have top-level pools and squash courts in the country, given that both diving and squash are part of the Fast Track Programme.
Earlier Friday, Hannah also announced that RM4.6 million had been allocated to improve football pitches and drainage systems across 10 states.
Eight states—Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka—received RM500,000 each for both pitch and drainage upgrades. Perlis and Kedah received RM300,000 each for drainage improvements only.
Hannah stressed the importance of continuity for the RTG programme, a top-up initiative for medal hopefuls over two Olympic cycles (Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028).
“I hope RTG continues to receive funding, as it is designed for LA 2028. We need consistent preparation, even though the next Olympics is four years away.
“We also need more funds for talent identification among para-athletes, to double or even triple such efforts,” added Hannah.
As a strong advocate for mental health, Hannah also highlighted the need to destigmatise mental health issues, particularly among young people and athletes.
“When it comes to mental health, Malaysia is starting to see the impact of this through rising road accidents and suicide cases among young people.
“It’s important to intensify efforts to raise awareness and strengthen support structures, such as for caregivers. We need to destigmatise these issues,” she said. — October 12, 2024