GEORGE TOWN: Grassroots sports development, athlete welfare and engaging youths outside formal organisations are among the key priorities in the Youth and Sports Ministry’s Budget 2027 proposals, says Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (pic).
He said the proposals were being refined based on feedback gathered through the Madani Youth Budget Tour, which is expected to conclude this month.
The findings will then be finalised for consideration by the Finance Ministry, with further discussions to be held ahead of the Budget’s tabling in Parliament he said.
“So far, three to four zones have been completed,” he said after flagging off participants of Oregeon Tower Run Series here yesterday.
Mohammed Taufiq said ensuring sufficient space and opportunities for people to participate in sports is a key priority for the ministry, particularly in nurturing the next generation of athletes.
“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.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled on Oct 9.
Mohammed Taufiq said athlete welfare, including support for retired athletes, would also be given attention through the ministry’s Athlete Welfare Foundation.
He said the ministry planned to expand its nationwide outreach programmes next year to engage more youths at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the ministry has made health and safety of athletes as its top priorities during the haze.
He said the ministry is closely monitoring the daily air pollutant index (API) readings and receiving updates from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and relevant agencies.
“We are also in communication with the National Sports Institute and National Sports Council (MSN) to ensure athletes’ health is not compromised during training.
“This is particularly important as national athletes are intensifying preparations for the upcoming Asian Games,” he noted.
He said athletes training outdoors must adhere to the guidelines set by the government based on the API readings at their respective areas.
