KLANG — Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has called on the corporate sector to broaden their investments in sports, emphasising the untapped potential of games like cricket, which enjoy significant fan support.
Her appeal follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent announcement of an additional RM15 million allocation for the development of the national football teams.
This comes on top of the RM15 million allocation revealed during the tabling of Budget 2025 in Parliament last year.
Speaking to the media at the Bayuemas Oval today, ahead of the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Hannah said: “The latest RM15 million allocation for Harimau Malaya comes from the corporate sector.
“I would like to urge and invite more corporate sponsors to consider investing in other sports as well. We have many sports with large fanbases, such as cricket.
“For those interested in sponsorship, I encourage them to contact KBS (Youth and Sports Ministry) or liaise directly with the National Sports Associations (NSAs).
“When we secure more corporate sponsorships, it strengthens our ability to host international events. Malaysia is already strategically located, and hosting more events would lead to upgraded facilities and greater accessibility for all Malaysians.”
Hannah also clarified that the additional funding for Harimau Malaya will be carefully managed by the Finance Ministry (MOF) and KBS.
“The RM15 million allocation was approved by the prime minister, who is also the finance minister. Discussions are ongoing regarding the payment methods and monitoring of these funds. The MOF and KBS will oversee the management of this allocation,” she said.
Earlier, Hannah met with the national women’s under-19 cricket team to present their jerseys and offer motivational words.
Malaysia, competing in Group A of the World Cup, will begin their campaign tomorrow against Sri Lanka, followed by matches against India on January 21 and the West Indies on January 23.
“This World Cup format (T20) is particularly exciting as it mirrors the one we’ll host during the 2027 SEA Games,” Hannah said.
“I came to meet the team today to hand over their jerseys and motivate them as they face three very strong opponents in their group.
“This young squad, which includes a few SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) candidates, dreams of achieving Super Six status,” she added. — January 18, 2025