KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has been reminded not to spend the RM15 million allocation from the government on things like paying salaries.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh stressed today that the funds, which come under the 2025 Budget (Belanjawan 2025), should not be spent arbitrarily.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced the allocation during the presentation of the 2025 Budget on Friday. It is specifically for the strengthening of the national teams.
Yeoh stressed that the funds must not be used arbitrarily, especially for FAM's administrative matters.
"The expenditure of these funds will be closely monitored by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the Finance Ministry," Yeoh said today after officiating the convocation ceremony of the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute in Kajang.
"This allocation is strictly for empowering Harimau Malaya and the youth teams. FAM is not permitted to spend the money as they wish, particularly not on salaries or administrative purposes.
"It is exclusively for the teams and their coaches to enhance performance. The RM15 million allocation will be overseen by KBS and the Ministry of Finance."
Anwar had announced that the aim of the RM15 million allocation is to support football development for Harimau Malaya, the Under-18 squad and the Under-13 squad in collaboration with FAM.
He stated that the funds will be used to secure top coaches, facilitate high-quality training sessions and offer appropriate rewards for players.
Yeoh noted that Anwar had previously conveyed to FAM his desire to see improvement in Harimau Malaya's performance.
"We have already met once, and we are now waiting for FAM to arrange a meeting with the National Sports Council to discuss how the RM15 million will be utilised," she added.