KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian sports received a massive shot in the arm today from the government's allocation of over RM230 million from the 2025 Budget (Belanjawan 2025).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the bumper allocation is for the Podium Programme, athletes' training and the Road to Gold initiative. It also includes para athletes' preparations ahead of major events.
The fund will also be used for the maintenance and upgrades of youth and sports facilities nationwide, as well as matching grants to encourage the organisation of competitions by associations and non-governmental organisations.
Anwar, in his speech, congratulated Malaysian athletes who competed at the recent Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games.
"We congratulate the Malaysian athletes, including the achievements of Cheah Liek Hou and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who clinched gold medals. The development of national sports continues to be intensified with an allocation of over RM230 million," said Anwar as he tabled the 2025 Budget.
"We take pride in the success of our national badminton teams, including the women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, as well as the men's doubles duo Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who have brought honour to the nation in various international tournaments.
"They exemplify the spirit of unity and reflect the strength of our multicultural and multi-religious society, where we fight together and achieve success."
Anwar also allocated RM15 million to support football development, RM1 million for cricket development and RM20 million to strengthen the eSports ecosystem.
The government also proposed income tax exemption on cash rewards won by individual athletes and teams under the National Sports Incentive Scheme.
"The 15 million ringgit will cover the national senior team, the Under-18 and Under-13 teams in collaboration with the FA of Malaysia to secure top coaches, provide high-quality training and offer appropriate rewards for players," he said.
"Following the warm reception during recent visits to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, I am pleased to announce a RM1 million allocation for the development of cricket.
"Additionally, the Selangor Red Giants recently claimed victory at the eSports World Cup. In response, the government has agreed to allocate RM20 million to strengthen the eSports ecosystem, covering talent development and arena upgrades."
To support the national agenda of Healthy Malaysia, RM27 million has been allocated to promote sports and recreational activities among the public, including the organisation of National Sports Day.
For the 2024 Budget, the government allocated a total of RM224 million for sports.