KUALA LUMPUR: The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has welcomed the introduction of tax exemptions for recipients of the National Sports Incentives Scheme (SHAKAM), announced in the 2025 Budget today.
OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria said the incentive would motivate athletes to excel in their respective sports.
Athletes are rewarded under SHAKAM for winning medals at the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
"OCM also welcomes the introduction of tax relief for parents purchasing sports equipment, and the continued support for National Sports Day as an initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle," he said.
Norza added that the over RM250 million allocation for sports next year reflects the government's commitment to supporting both Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines under the Road to Gold and Podium programmes overseen by the National Sports Council (NSC).
"The budget also shows the government's dedication to eSports, with RM20 million allocated after the Selangor Red Giants' victory at the Mid Season Cup (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)."
Norza also congratulated the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for directly benefiting from the budget, with RM15 million allocated for the development of senior and age-group teams.
"We also welcome the government's decision to maintain the matching grant to support high-performance sports events organised by sports bodies and the private sector," he added.