KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28: The Persatuan Sukan Rekreasi Malaysia (REKREASI) has called for a more sustainable and accessible approach to grassroots sports funding under Budget 2027, saying the focus should extend beyond increasing allocations to ensuring programmes can be maintained and expanded.
Budget 2026 allocated RM20 million to the Dana Sukan Komuniti (DSK), while RM584.9 million was set aside for broader sports development, including high-performance sports, preparations for the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, as well as sports facility maintenance and upgrades.
According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the DSK received 11,650 applications and approved 6,639 between 2023 and 2026, involving about RM80.4 million in funding. The Geran Padanan Sukan, meanwhile, provides up to 50 per cent of programme costs but operates on a reimbursement basis and requires programmes to have a minimum value of RM50,000.
REKREASI vice-president Syahira Zakaria said Budget 2027 should prioritise continuity for proven grassroots programmes while creating opportunities for successful initiatives to expand beyond their original communities. She cited K2K Juara, which reached 10 PPR communities in 2024 but returned only in 2026, with its K2K Juara 2.0 programme covering two PPR communities due to funding constraints.
REKREASI secretary-general Ahnaf Yusri highlighted three operational priorities, namely faster and better-timed funding, reducing cash-flow barriers for smaller organisations and providing greater support for the people delivering grassroots programmes. He said reimbursement-based grants could place financial pressure on smaller NGOs and limit the number of programmes they can run.
He also called for capacity-building support for full-time community sports coordinators, saying grassroots sports depended heavily on volunteers and part-time support. REKREASI said dedicated personnel could help organisations operate more consistently and reach more communities.
REKREASI believes Budget 2027 provides an opportunity to strengthen grassroots and community sports through funding mechanisms that are accessible, timely and sustainable, allowing proven programmes to continue while successful initiatives can be replicated across Malaysia.
