BANGI – The sports budget allocation breakdown for 2025 will be debated in Parliament soon, and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has called for patience from National Sports Associations (NSAs) as discussions continue.
Hannah emphasised that while the RM230 million allocation for the sports sector was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Budget 2025 presentation, the exact breakdown of how the funds will be distributed across various sports and initiatives is yet to be finalised.
This process will take place over the next few weeks as Parliament debates the details.
During the tabling of Budget 2025 in Parliament yesterday, Anwar did not provide specific details on the allocation.
However, he clarified that the funds are earmarked for podium programmes, athlete training, the Road to Gold initiative, and preparations for para-athletes ahead of major events such as the World Para Games and the Deaflympics in Tokyo 2025.
The allocation will also cover the maintenance and upgrading of youth and sports facilities nationwide, as well as matching grants to incentivise sports events organised by associations and non-governmental organisations.
Of the RM230 million, three sports were explicitly mentioned during the budget: football, which will receive RM15 million; e-sports, allocated RM20 million; and cricket, set to receive RM10 million.
Hannah acknowledged the numerous requests from NSAs and reassured them that while only these three sports were highlighted, other sports would not be overlooked.
“We are currently working with the Finance Ministry to ensure the allocation is used responsibly and fairly.
“The National Sports Council will also sit down with each sports association this December during the Joint Working Committee meeting to address their specific needs,” she said at the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS) Convocation Ceremony in Bangi today.
She also highlighted that squash is being developed as a national project, similar to football, rugby, hockey, and netball, with a focus on grassroots sports such as athletics, swimming, and combat sports at the school level.
“These sports have historically contributed to Malaysia’s medal tally, and we remain committed to their growth. We are also ensuring that athletes’ welfare and coaches’ salaries are well taken care of under this budget,” she added.
Hannah urged NSAs to be patient regarding coaching changes, as many are considering adjustments to their coaching staff.
“We are currently aligning processes to close existing accounts and establish new budget accounts.
“Decisions cannot be made hastily, and those discussions are already underway,” she explained.
Hannah made it clear that all funding would be closely monitored to ensure accountability, stressing that direct funding without oversight from the NSC would not be possible.
“As a government agency, we are responsible for ensuring that allocated funds are used effectively and deliver results. When questioned in Parliament, I have to provide clear answers on how the money is spent,” she said.
To enhance transparency and efficiency, Hannah revealed that her ministry has introduced reforms through Memorandums of Understanding with several sports associations, allowing for regular grant disbursements with strict oversight.
Additionally, she further reminded all sports associations to avoid using the media to address issues, as an open platform for discussions is available to them.
“If everything is filtered through the media, I will be left handling requests from the media alone, and that would hinder me from doing my job effectively,” she cautioned.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Hannah urged NSAs to remain patient as the budget breakdown and allocation processes are finalised, stressing that KBS and NSC are working to meet the needs of all sports associations. — October 19, 2024