KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia National Cycling Federation (MNCF) is looking at ways to make its "products" more attractive to sponsors.
MNCF secretary Arif Astaman said the national body has to come up with strong offers to present to potential sponsors if they are to have any chance of landing them.
Among the "products" he is referring to includes the national road cycling team and the various national championships.
"Moving forward, our goal is to improve our products. It is happening but it will take time," said Arif recently.
"We have to structure our programmes to be able to present to potential sponsors an attractive offer, and this is not easy.
"We have to give them (potential sponsors) something that they want, something that can generate strong branding.
"Le Tour de Langkawi (organised by National Sports Council), for example, is well liked but it is very expensive to run so we have to look at our options.
"We are in fact currently engaging with a sports (marketing) consultancy on this matter. It (initiative) is being led by former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin."
Khairy is MNCF vice president and also head's their finance, sponsorship and Cycling for All programme committee.
Arif added that securing sponsors for the national road cycling team is not as straightforward as it is for UCI continental teams such as Terengganu Cycling Team and Malaysia Pro Cycling.
"Teams such as TSG have less issues looking for sponsors because they are able to compete in about 30 races each year," said Arif.
"But for the national team, it is hard for them to get invites for races because they are not a continental team.
"The national team is always invited for Le Tour de Langkawi because it is a Malaysian race, otherwise, it would almost be impossible for them to get into an UCI ProSeries event."
MNCF's new president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, together with Arif and other top brass, met with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in November during which they, among others, requested funding for the national road squad.
Arif, however, disclosed that it is unlikely to be approved for next year as the request was made after Budget 2025 was tabled.