PUTRAJAYA: The National Sports Vision 2030 (VSN2030) launched today is aimed at promoting sports culture in Malaysia through comprehensive, integrated, and collective initiatives.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said VSN2030 would provide a breath of fresh air for the country's sports arena with the concept 'From the Community to the Community' (Daripada Komuniti Kepada Komuniti) involving the Malaysian Family to draw up the country's sports strategies.
"It is also a sports legacy as a strong unity tool to produce world-class athletes that will be the government's official document in developing the country's sports," he said at the launch of National Sports Day (HSN2022) here today.
VSN2030 was drawn up with the concept of democracy in sports with openness to listen to views and voices of all parties, he said.
"The document will be reviewed from time to time to ensure that it remains relevant in driving the sports industry to continue to excel until 2030."
Ismail Sabri said the ministry has been requested to further enhance sports culture and achievement through proactive efforts.
This, he said, includes providing scholarships and opportunities for outstanding athletes who win international championships, starting from the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to the international level recognised by the government to further their studies.
At the same time, skilled former athletes would also be considered as sports and educational coaches and involved in the search of sports talents at the grassroots level through the My Talent Identification (MyTID).
He said the revision and gazetting of the First Schedule of the Sports Development Act 1997, will see any sports listed under the act to be enhanced, with electronic sports (e-Sports), also being included.
"Last, sports facilities will also be upgraded to increase access in sports facilities, consequently increasing Malaysians involvement to be active in sports.
"Together, let's support the (government) efforts to make Malaysia as a sports nation, with the target of at least two-thirds of Malaysians exercising and being active in sports at least five sessions a week and 30 minutes per session," he said.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic has affected people's lifestyle and "changed the way we think, work and exercise".
He said the pandemic did not stop people from being active and by adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the transition towards the endemic phase.
On HSN2022, he said some 4.5 million Malaysians were expected to take part in the various sports activities.