The Malaysian government has allocated RM72mil (approximately $17.4 million) to strengthen the athlete podium event ecosystem and implement the Road to Gold initiative, as part of its efforts to secure the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, announced that RM20mil (approximately $4.8 million) will be allocated to the Road to Gold initiative to prepare for Malaysia’s quest for its first Olympic gold in Paris in 2024. This move comes after the country celebrated the success of its athletes who won 32 medals at the recent Hangzhou Asian Games.
Sports are seen as a crucial platform for building solidarity among Malaysians, according to Anwar Ibrahim. Despite the country’s diversity in race and religion, sportsmanship remains undampened. To empower the athlete ecosystem, RM12mil (approximately $2.9 million) will be provided to the National Sports Council (NSC) for training programs and athlete preparations for international para multi-sports Games.
An inspiring example of the power of sports is the story of Aqil Naufal, a student of Sekolah Kebangsaan Felda Lepar Utara 1, Pahang, who pursued his dream of playing football despite his condition. Government assistance and guidance from the Malaysia Amputee Football Association made Aqil’s dream a reality, and his story has resonated with many. RM50mil (approximately $12.1 million) has been set aside for the maintenance and upgrading of youth and sports facilities nationwide, particularly for dilapidated infrastructure.
Additionally, the government will continue to offer a matching grant of RM50mil (approximately $12.1 million) to encourage the hosting of prestigious sports events by sports organizations and the private sector. This incentive has received positive response this year. Tomorrow being National Sports Day, the government plans to amplify sports and recreational programs for the people, including swimming programs for children, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and the elderly from underprivileged families. The government also has plans to increase sports and recreational activities for senior citizens to promote active and healthy lifestyles.
In order to facilitate family camping programs, the Youth and Sports Ministry facilities at six national Wawasan Camp sites, such as Ulu Sepri in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan and Ulu Kenas in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, will be made available at a minimum rate. Furthermore, the government has proposed a special tax exemption for sports activities and the purchase of sports equipment, limiting it to RM1,000 (approximately $242), and this exemption will also cover sports training fees.
