SANDAKAN: The Government, through the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), is stepping up efforts to forge strategic partnerships with the private sector to reduce the financial burden borne by national athletes, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She said national or international sporting events can only be held in one location at a time, which means athletes from other states are often required to secure additional funds to participate.
“If a tournament is held in Sabah or Sarawak, athletes from Peninsular Malaysia need to raise funds.
“If it is in Kuala Lumpur, then athletes from Sabah have to do the same. This is a normal occurrence,” she told reporters here recently.
Yeoh said since 2023 the Government has introduced several new initiatives such as the Sports Matching Grant and the Community Sports Fund to encourage more locally organised competitions.
“Therefore, it is important for us to upgrade facilities. Without upgraded facilities, Sandakan cannot host major events. But with new facilities, Sandakan can apply for grants and funding to become a host venue,” she said.
She added that the role of sports associations is also crucial in activating competitions, as without their involvement, such opportunities cannot be realised.
To ease travel costs, KBS has also collaborated with Malaysia Airlines, which offers up to 30 per cent discounts on flight tickets for verified athletes. In addition, tax incentives of up to RM1,000 for sports training expenses have been introduced, while athletes can also apply for assistance through Area Funds or the Sports Development Fund.
Yeoh also urged elected representatives – Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen – to play their part in providing financial aid to athletes in their respective constituencies.
“Sports expenses are rising as many tournaments involve high costs. Everyone has a role to play in helping top up our athletes’ funding.
“I also hope that one day domestic flight costs can be reduced,” she said.
She said national or international sporting events can only be held in one location at a time, which means athletes from other states are often required to secure additional funds to participate.
“If a tournament is held in Sabah or Sarawak, athletes from Peninsular Malaysia need to raise funds.
“If it is in Kuala Lumpur, then athletes from Sabah have to do the same. This is a normal occurrence,” she told reporters here recently.
Yeoh said since 2023 the Government has introduced several new initiatives such as the Sports Matching Grant and the Community Sports Fund to encourage more locally organised competitions.
“Therefore, it is important for us to upgrade facilities. Without upgraded facilities, Sandakan cannot host major events. But with new facilities, Sandakan can apply for grants and funding to become a host venue,” she said.
She added that the role of sports associations is also crucial in activating competitions, as without their involvement, such opportunities cannot be realised.
To ease travel costs, KBS has also collaborated with Malaysia Airlines, which offers up to 30 per cent discounts on flight tickets for verified athletes. In addition, tax incentives of up to RM1,000 for sports training expenses have been introduced, while athletes can also apply for assistance through Area Funds or the Sports Development Fund.
Yeoh also urged elected representatives – Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen – to play their part in providing financial aid to athletes in their respective constituencies.
“Sports expenses are rising as many tournaments involve high costs. Everyone has a role to play in helping top up our athletes’ funding.
“I also hope that one day domestic flight costs can be reduced,” she said.
