Sports Ministry welcomes 2027 Budget funding for athlete development

KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry has welcomed the allocations for sports development under 2027 Budget, including RM460 million for sports and RM240 million for preparations for next year's SEA Games and Asean Para Games.

In a statement, the ministry expressed its appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who presented the Budget on Friday, saying the announcements would help strengthen national sports development, nurture talent and expand opportunities for young people.

The RM460 million allocation covers high-performance sports, the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, Para athletes, Deaf sports and the maintenance of sports facilities.

"The allocation is important to strengthen the athlete development ecosystem in a comprehensive and sustainable manner," read the statement.

Another RM240 million has been set aside for preparations for the 2027 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, while RM30 million for the Sports Matching Grant will help sports bodies, clubs and non-governmental organisations organise high-performance sporting events.

The ministry also welcomed the expansion of individual income tax relief for sports equipment purchases to include sports shoes, saying the move would encourage an active lifestyle and help foster a sporting culture among Malaysians.

The ministry also thanked Anwar for recognising the successful organisation of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia and the national contingent's achievements at the 20th Asian Games.

"This recognition reflects the government's continued commitment to strengthening national sports," read the statement.

The ministry said it would work with other ministries, government agencies, sports bodies, youth organisations and strategic partners to ensure the announced initiatives benefited athletes, young people and the wider community.