Govt pumps RM40 mil into Sports Matching Grant scheme

KUALA LUMPUR – The government has allocated RM40 million to the Youth and Sports Ministry under the Sports Matching Grant (SMG) initiative. 

In a statement today, the ministry said SMG is a financial aid programme that provides financial assistance to companies, sports associations, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and registered corporations that organise sporting events.

The aim of the grant is to allow athletes to improve their ranking and performance, while promoting public unity, cultivating sporting culture, and encouraging the development of the country’s sports industry through events and activities. 

The scope of application includes organising sports tournaments to improve national ranking involving the 103 types of sports registered under the Sports Development Act 1997, as well as lifestyle sports competitions. 

After a tournament has finished, the grant is given as reimbursement to finance 50% of the total cost, up to a maximum of up to RM1 million. The ministry added that organisers are allowed to apply for more than one programme, but each bid must be different in terms of its concept and content.

Meanwhile, two secretariats led by the National Youth and Sports Department and National Sports Council have been set up as checks and balances to prevent wastage and favouritism in the programme. 

The SMG can be applied for online at www.kbs.gov.my/gps.html from 2pm today and will be open until June 30 for programmes organised between February 24 to June 1, and July 15 to August 31 this year. 

For events organised from September 15 to December 15 this year, the application period is from July 1 to 31. 

Each application is subject to requirements set by the ministry, it also said, and any decision is final. – The Vibes, June 1, 2023