GEORGE TOWN: The Youth and Sports Ministry is refining its Budget 2027 proposals based on feedback gathered through its nationwide Madani Youth Budget Tour, says Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq.
He said three to four zones had been completed so far, with the nationwide tour expected to conclude in September before the findings are finalised for consideration by the Finance Ministry.
He said grassroots sports development, athlete welfare and reaching out to youths outside formal organisations would be among the ministry's priorities in the Budget 2027 proposals.
"The priority for the ministry is to ensure there is sufficient space and opportunity for people to participate in sports, as we want to nurture the next generation of athletes from the grassroots.
"That is why funding, grants, community sports and matching grants are among the platforms we are looking at to encourage more people at the grassroots level to participate in mass sports activities," he said.
The Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled on Oct 9 and is expected to be presented by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Taufiq said athlete welfare, including support for retired athletes and those who had contributed to the country, would also be given attention through the Athlete Welfare Foundation under the ministry.
He said the ministry was also taking into account views from sports associations and youth organisations, as well as the needs of youths in rural areas and those who were not members of any organisation or had not previously participated in ministry programmes.
"Sports associations have made many requests and we are assessing them. We are also listening to youth organisations, as well as youths in rural areas and those who are not affiliated with any organisation. These are among our priorities," he said.
He said the ministry had presented its initial Budget 2027 proposals for preliminary discussions with the Finance Ministry, with further discussions to be held leading up to the tabling of the Budget in Parliament.
Meanwhile, he said the ministry planned to expand its nationwide outreach programmes next year to engage more youths at grassroots level.
"We want to conduct programmes across Malaysia next year to meet as many young people as possible, through mass activities as well as smaller-scale programmes so that we can reach out to every young person," he said.
