KUALA LUMPUR: The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) is hopeful that newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari will take a more sympathetic view towards para-athletes and restore recent funding cuts.
PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin said he has met Dr Mohammed Taufiq and expressed hope that the ministry would review its allocation for para sports, which was reduced from RM12 million to RM10 million for 2026.
He said the reduced budget, announced last year by former minister Hannah Yeoh, could see up to 20 athletes dropped from the Podium Programme.
“Having learnt medicine, the new minister understands how much sport can benefit para-athletes and individuals with special needs,” said Megat Shahriman.
“Moreover, para sports have consistently delivered gold medals at every competition we have entered, including the Paralympics.
“Late last year, we won 15 gold medals, 12 silver and 15 bronze at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, finishing ninth out of 34 countries.”
Megat Shahriman said PCM had received RM12 million annually for the past three years, but the allocation was cut to RM10 million for 2026.
“I have spoken to the new minister about this unfair reduction. I am preparing a report to demonstrate why we deserve increased funding,” he said.
“Everything is based on facts and results. We have the gold medals to support our case for additional funding.”
He added that sustained funding was crucial to maintain momentum following the strong performances of Malaysian para-athletes, particularly at the Asian Youth Para Games.
“It is vital that we sustain their progress. We do not want to see stagnation in the development of our athletes. Funding should be based on merit and achievement,” he said.
Megat Shahriman said Malaysia faces three major multi-sport events this year, beginning with the Asean Para Games in Thailand from Jan 20-26.
This will be followed by the Commonwealth Games from July 23-Aug 2, and the Asian Para Games from Oct 18-24.
Six para sports will feature at the Commonwealth Games – athletics, swimming, bowls, track cycling, powerlifting and 3x3 wheelchair basketball – with 47 gold medals on offer.
For the Asean Para Games, contingent Chef de Mission Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah has set a target of 55 gold medals, five more than the 50 achieved in 2023.
“It is important to set gold medal targets rather than simply aiming for an overall medal count,” said Megat Shahriman.
“By targetting, gold, we encourage our athletes to push themselves to be the best instead of settling for a top-three position.
“We won 50 gold medals in 2023, and for this year’s Asean Para Games, we are targeting at least 55.”
