KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has confirmed that some of its players will receive an increase in both their salaries and allowances this year.
However, the national body has firmly demanded that the players keep up their end of the bargain and deliver results.
The governing body’s response followed a report by Scoop which revealed that several prominent national shuttlers had requested annual salaries of up to RM2 million.
BAM acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam said that the governing body is not yet in a position to disclose the exact percentage of the raise but assured that the offers would be sufficient to ensure the players’ comfort.
“I can’t go into much detail about the raise we are planning for the players. But it’s true that the players have requested a raise. This is a norm – wherever we go, players will always seek higher salaries,” said Subramaniam.
“We have carefully considered the matter and had discussions, and I believe we have now provided the best benefits for them. It’s now in their hands to perform, as the increase has been made in the form of both salary and allowances,” he added during a press conference at Axiata Arena today.
At the same time, Subramaniam emphasised that national shuttlers should be grateful for the benefits provided by the governing body and should prove themselves through their performances.
“Players should not think that they are bigger than BAM or believe they are the ones who bring sponsors to the governing body. At the end of the day, we expect 60 to 70% results from the players, and the council is very firm about that,” Subramaniam said.
“Just because some of these shuttlers have reached a certain level, it doesn’t mean they should take things for granted. They must start delivering results for the country, regardless of whether the player is a star or an ordinary player,” he added.
Currently, BAM provides salaries ranging from RM2,000 to RM20,000 per month, with annual reviews, as well as quarterly ranking and tournament bonuses that can reach up to RM120,000.
Previously, national men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in August last year, denied being part of the group requesting annual salaries of up to RM2 million. – January 11, 2025