Accra:The allocation of RM460 million for national sports development, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Budget 2027, aims to enhance the athlete development ecosystem. This includes high-performance sports, para-athletes, and sports facility maintenance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) expressed appreciation for the allocation, which also covers the Road to Gold (RTG) programme and the development of sports for the deaf. These initiatives are intended to ensure comprehensive and continuous sports development.
Additionally, KBS noted that RM240 million has been allocated for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2027 preparations, supporting Malaysia's role as the host. A RM30 million Sports Matching Grant is also available to promote high-performance sports events by supporting sports bodies, clubs, and non-governmental organizations.
The Budi Belia programme will provide a RM100 e-wallet incentive to young people completing volunteer activities as part of the youth development agenda. This is aimed at encouraging active youth participation in community development.
Moreover, an RM8 billion allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is expected to enhance the skills and employability of young people through the Youth and Sports Skills Training Institute (ILKBS).
KBS plans to collaborate with various parties to ensure these initiatives benefit youth, athletes, and the community. National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin highlighted the importance of the RM240 million allocation for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, emphasizing the opportunity to improve Malaysia's international image and athletes' performance.
Ngadirin also emphasized the significance of the RM460 million allocation for national sports development, which supports training, sports science, medicine, competition exposure, and athlete welfare. He noted the need for simultaneous development of high-performance programs and new talent to achieve future success.
A 50 percent increase in funding for school sports activities to RM27 million is expected to benefit over 4.6 million students in about 10,000 schools. Expanded tax relief for sports equipment purchases may encourage more community engagement in physical activities.
Ngadirin praised Budget 2027 as a positive step towards comprehensive sports development, ensuring attention to para and deaf athletes while promoting sports from school and community levels to high-performance platforms.