Sports-friendly Budget 2024 is a game changer, says Yeoh

PUTRAJAYA: The generous allocation of funds for sports-related activities under Budget 2024 is expected to fulfil all the requests in the ministry's wishlist, says Hannah Yeoh.

The Youth and Sports Minister said the tax incentives given by the government for sports equipment would also be a game changer for the industry.

"We thank the Prime Minister for this sports-friendly allocation. Almost all of what we sought in our wishlist are fulfilled.

"I am most happy with the tax incentives where new categories have been opened up for tax exemptions for sports equipment and sports training. This is very important for parents who invest their savings every month to ensure their children stay active in sports.

"When we encourage such investments, the sports industry will see a boost in revenue. This is the way we change the lifestyle of children to love sports and continue with it as adults." Yeoh said after launching the National Sports Day at Putrajaya today (Oct 14).

She said there was also a rise of 20% in the allocation for disabled athletes.

Yeoh said sports infrastructure would also be developed in tandem with talent to ensure growth in any particular sport.

She said Malaysia has great talent in sports such as horse riding, water sports and karate.

"What we want now is a plan for sports facilities to be built simultaneously with the growth of talent. We may have won gold medals in squash but what are the facilities we have in Malaysia?

"If we want to develop talent, we must see that the facilities grow at the same pace," she added.

On HSN202, Yeoh said about 30,000 people turned up at the launch here, which saw 66 sports events being held, and she expected some four million people to take part in the event nationwide.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater collaboration between various ministries in promoting and empowering sports activities.

Emphasising on the importance of Malaysians staying fit and healthy, he said sports are an integral part of daily life.

"The Madani nation can only grow if the people are empowered not just through employment and the economy but most importantly, through health.

"For the Madani government, the subject of value is crucial. I am confident Malaysia will be safe, prosperous and excel if the youth genuinely unite regardless of race or cultural background.

"We want them to excel in sports regardless of what their name is. This is why I have asked for closer networking between the Youth and Sports Ministry, togetjer with the Education and Higher Education ministries so that sporting activities in schools, higher learning institutions and the community are rejuvenated. " he said in his speech at the launch.

Also present were Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razaruddin Husain and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.