Budget 2023: Youth and Sports Ministry gets higher RM374 mil allocation

KUALA LUMPUR – The government’s allocation of RM374 million in Budget 2023 − tabled earlier today by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz − to the Youth and Sports Ministry saw a significant increase over the RM289 million allocated last year.

This year’s allocation includes RM145 million for the construction, refurbishment works, and maintenance for sports facilities throughout the country.

At the same time, RM154 million will be used for the development of the Malaysian sports ecosystem, which includes unearthing new talents, training programs, and improving facilities.

Tengku Zafrul also announced an allocation of RM20 million for the construction of drag circuits as well as RM13 million to the e-sports industry.

The government is planning to build drag circuits throughout the country in order to encourage and also provide a safety platform for the youth to take up motorsports.

At the same time, the government will inject RM5 million for the development of Malaysia’s para-athletes.

In order to improve athletes’ welfare through the National Athletes Welfare Foundation, Tengku Zafrul said that the government will allocate RM5 million for next year.

The government will also allocate RM15 million to promote healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases through the Healthy Malaysia Agenda.

Meanwhile, the government plans to continue the National Sports Day and Fit Malaysia Tour next year. For this, RM10 million has been allocated.

Speaking to The Vibes, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said that the increased allocation from last year is proof that the government is also giving equal importance to the development of the sector.

“I am happy that the Finance Ministry acknowledges the sports sector. (Considering) the size of the industry, it would require a lot of assistance and attention.

“Sports is not just for the athletes’ development through the availability of facilities for training, but also for the citizens’ wellness too as it encourages and nurtures them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Hence, the announcement of allocation to help the citizens reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases through the Healthy Malaysia National Agenda.

“The people will now understand better how important this sector is towards the development of the country as a whole,” he told The Vibes.

In this year’s budget, it was also announced that non-governmental organisations involved in grassroots sports development will receive tax exemptions. 

This move is expected to draw more organisations to participate in sponsoring grassroots development. – The Vibes, October 7, 2022

Additional reporting by Julie Jalaluddin