PETALING JAYA: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz expressed his gratitude to the government for allocating RM580 million to the sports sector in 2026.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the allocation during the tabling of Budget 2026 in Parliament on Friday (Oct 10).
It was more than last year's allocation, where they were given only RM230million.
The increased funding followed the historic success of mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei in the World Championships in Paris in August and also the achievements of para athletes in different competitions.
Zafrul believes the funds will help Malaysia achieve more success in 2026 and aid the development of sports at the grassroots level.
"Budget 2026 is a boost to sports in the country. Thank you to the Madani government for the commitment to our sports sector," said Zafrul via social media on Saturday (Oct 11).
"As BAM president, I believe this (RM580 million) will greatly help the Road to Gold Olympic programme and preparations for the 2027 SEA Games and Asean Para Games.
"Also to benefit are para sports, deaf sports, sports facilities and school fields. At grassroots level, the RM30 million matching grant for NGOs and national sports associations will widen the talent base through community sports activities."
Zafrul added that BAM will continue their self-sustaining efforts by attracting corporate sponsors to increase their coffers.
The government has also agreed to allow organisations approved by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) to utilise part of their income specifically for sports activities, aiding BAM's efforts to maintain financial stability.
"More strategically, the encouragement for IRB-approved sports organisations to use part of their income for sports activities will attract private funding and make our ecosystem more sustainable," said Zafrul.
Zafrul also said that the success of Tang Jie-Ee Wei and World Championships silver medallists Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles) proved that the investment in sports at the elite level was worthwhile.
