KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — To boost Malaysia’s efforts to land its first Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, the government is allocating RM72 million to strengthen the athlete podium event ecosystem and the implementation of the Road to Gold initiative.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said of the total, RM20 million is allocated under the Road to Gold initiative as preparation for Malaysia’s quest for its first Olympic gold at the 2024 edition in Paris.
“We celebrate the success of our national heroes and heroines who brought glory to the country at the (recent) Hangzhou Asian Games by winning 32 medals.
“Sports is a key platform towards building solidarity among Malaysians. Despite our race and religion differences, our diversity does not dampen the spirit of sportsmanship,” he said when tabling Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
RM12 million will be provided to the National Sports Council (MSN) for training programmes and athlete preparations for international para multi-sports Games to empower the athlete ecosystem.
“I am sure everyone saw the inspirational story of Aqil Naufal, an SK Felda Lepar Utara 1 student from Pahang, who showcased the spirit of sportsmanship despite his condition.
“Aqil’s dream of playing football came true when he received government assistance and guidance from the Malaysia Amputee Football Association (Mafa),” Anwar said.
RM50 million will be set aside to maintain and upgrade youth and sports facilities nationwide, especially for dilapidated infrastructure.
The government will also continue to provide a RM50 million matching grant to encourage the hosting of prestigious sports events by sports organisations and the private sector, as the response this year was very encouraging.
“Tomorrow is the National Sports Day. The government will continue to amplify sports and recreational programmes for the people, including swimming programmes for children, disabled persons (PwDs), and the elderly from less fortunate families.
“The organisation of sports and recreational activities to help senior citizens stay active and healthy will also be increased,” he said.
Family camping programmes will also be implemented by making available Youth and Sports Ministry facilities at a minimum rate in six national Wawasan Camp sites, including Ulu Sepri in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, and Ulu Kenas in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Anwar said the government proposed a special tax exemption for sports activities and the purchase of sports equipment limited to RM1,000, which will also be expanded to cover sports training fees.
— Bernama
