Government to Allocate RM324 Million to Help Improve the Country's Sports Facilities

BY: Michelle Liew

The government has allocated RM324 million to improve training programs and sports facilities for the benefit of all athletes.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when presenting the 2023 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat said that allocations were given to develop the sports ecosystem as a whole from the search for talent to the podium events including upgrading sports facilities throughout the country.

"The government has also agreed that a tax deduction of up to 10 percent of aggregate income will be given to individuals or companies that contribute to non-profit organizations that implement sports development programs at the grassroots level," he said.

The Prime Minister said RM20 million was also allocated to a unity program based on the application of noble values between races.

In addition, Datuk Seri Anwar said that in order to preserve and protect the welfare of athletes, a fund of RM5 million will be provided to the National Athlete Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) starting this year.

At the same time, the government also plans to give tax breaks to employers who employ former national athletes.