KUALA LUMPUR – As the tabling of Budget 2024 is set for later today, non-core sports associations have come forward to express their hopes for an increased budget to improve their development programmes.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation president Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz hopes for an increase in funding from the Youth and Sports Ministry, especially after its athletes’ recent success at the World Bowls Championship.
“Honestly speaking, we have been struggling with funds since our sport was removed from the podium programme.
“However, we have emerged successful by standing alone and excelling in the World Championship.
“All I hope for is that the ministry can increase their funds for us so that we can improve our infrastructure and development programmes.
“We need to prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games, as there is a possible inclusion of lawn bowls at the Asiad.
“We are looking for an allocation of RM4-5 million, and I hope that the ministry can grant our wish,” said Awalan.
A similar sentiment was expressed by the Malaysia DanceSport Federation, as it hopes for more support from the ministry to continue its athletes’ fine run in major sporting events.
The federation’s deputy president John Fam said that more funds are needed for it to manage the necessities of its athletes and provide the best training facilities for them.
“We are not complaining about the support we have received from the ministry so far, but I honestly believe it’s not enough for our federation to progress further.
“There is a high chance of our athletes competing and winning medals in the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games, and we have been advocating for a spot in the 2027 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
“So, this is the time for the ministry to help us achieve our goals and objectives, as we can’t always rely on private funding.
“We aim to win 12 medals between 2025 and 2027, and we are not asking for much from the ministry. We only need RM1 million for our development programme, with the funds divided between both the Latin and Standard categories (RM 500,000 each),” said John.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) president Ong Shin Ruenn expressed hope for support in terms of funding and recognition, as well as for a change of approach from the sports ministry.
“We have been responsible for developing and training many deaf sports athletes over the years. MSDeaf has been competing in international competitions and bringing back medals for Malaysia since 1993.
“We want to be able to access government grants and support, as well as receive the recognition we deserve for our athletes’ efforts and achievements.
“I hope that with our recent success in hosting the World Deaf Football Championships, the ministry can understand our struggles and provide us with the necessary help,” Shin Ruenn said.
Last year, the Finance Ministry allocated RM332 million for the sports ministry to effectively carry out its programmes, a significant reduction from the RM614.7 million allocated in 2021. However, last year’s budget was initially reduced to RM289 million but was later increased with an additional RM42 million for the Podium Programme.
Over the years, the budget allocation for sports has primarily focused on developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem, including identifying new talent, implementing training programmes and improving facilities. – October 13, 2023