KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor government has clarified that it has never restricted its budget allocation to just RM40,000 for hockey development.
The government’s response came after the Malaysian Hockey Confederation president, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, demanded they allocate more funding to the Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) to run its programmes.
Speaking to Scoop, Selangor Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi revealed that the government has allocated RM114,065 to SHA for its programmes, including the preparation of state players for the upcoming Malaysian Games (Sukma).
“There are no specific allocations according to sports in our state, but allocations are given based on the needs and activities of the sports association involved.
“We have never limited the total allocation to SHA to RM40,000 per year. Up till 2023, we have channelled a total of RM114,065 for development and tournaments, including the Sukma Games.
“Up until March of this year, we have channelled as much as RM107,907.70 for the association’s needs, which includes athlete allowances and coaches’ salaries for men and women,” said Najwan when contacted.
It was reported that the Selangor government allocated RM19 million from its RM2.53 billion state budget spending plan.
The Selangor Sports Council is set to receive RM8 million to reinforce the state’s holistic sports development approach, with an additional RM1 million earmarked for the state e-sports team.
However, the lion’s share of RM10 million has been allocated to Selangor FC for its preparation for the upcoming 2024/2025 Malaysia Super League season and the AFC Asian Champions League 2 competition.
Meanwhile, the 21st edition of Sukma is scheduled to take place from August 17 to 24, with Sarawak hosting the prestigious event for the third time, with the last two times being in 1990 and 2016. – May 1, 2024