BUDGET BOOST FOR SPORTS

Prime Minister announces RM1 billion for development programmes

FARAH AZHARIE AND FERZALFIE FAUZI nstsport@nst.com.my

FOLLOWING Malaysia’s successes at the 2017 Sea Games and Asean Para Games, yesterday’s RM1 billion allocation from the government will keep the momentum of the nation’s sports development going strongly.

NSC director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said yesterday: “The budget announcement by the prime minister is well received by the sports fraternity.

“We appreciate the government’s recognition especially in terms of the Malaysian contingents’ performances at the Sea Games and Asean Para Games.

“The announcement of RM1 billion for development programmes for high performance sports has further motivated us to produce athletes who can elevate the nation’s image.”

Money from the RM1 billion allocation will be used for initiatives like Fit Malaysia, Hari Sukan Negara, National Football Development Programme and the various grassroots training

There is also an allocation of RM20 million for Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) to refurbish and upgrade their facilities.

The government is also building 14 sports complexes across the country at a cost of RM112 million.

“The budget announcement in regard to sports complexes was also well received by the sports community. It gives the chance for our grassroots athletes to use the sports complexes as their own training grounds,” said Shapawi.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has also hailed the government’s RM1 billion allocation for sports programmes.

OCM deputy president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said the move will encourage more people to be involved in sports and also make it a key part of their lifestyles.

“The grassroots programmes and new sports complexes will benefit all,” said Norza yesterday. “Previously sports complexes have only been available in urban areas but now even those outside the cities can enjoy a healthy lifestyle through sports.”

Norza, who is also BAM president, said the government has put an emphasis on grassroots development for noncore sports.

He pointed out that the allocation for grassroots development, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, are not only for core sports but also sports such as petanque, rugby and others.

“These (noncore) sports delivered good results at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games and deserve to be given more attention at the grassroots level.”

We appreciate the government’s recognition especially in terms of the Malaysian contingents’ performances at the Sea Games and Asean Para Games.