MOM describes Budget 2024 as sports industry friendly

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Olympic Council (MOM) praised Budget 2024 for its support of the sports industry, underlining the government's commitment to sports as a societal cornerstone.

MOM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria welcomed the Malaysia Madani Budget 2024, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for its comprehensive approach to sports, including RM20 million allocated to the Road To Gold (RTG) programme.

"MOM warmly welcomes the announcement of Budget 2024, particularly in the wake of the national contingent's remarkable performance, securing 32 medals at the recent Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.

"The government's decision to allocate RM20 million for the RTG programme, which is a part of the RM72 million earmarked for Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines under the Podium Program overseen by the National Sports Council (MSN), demonstrates their commitment to our elite athletes," said Norza.

The RTG committee, co-chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Norza, will monitor elite athletes' performance, aiming to secure medals at the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Additionally, the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) president, Datuk Seri Megat Shahriman Zaharudin, also lauded the RM12 million allocation for empowering 97 elite para-athletes, to prepare them for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Anwar's budget also allocated RM50 million for youth and sports facility improvements nationwide, focusing on underprivileged areas.

The government maintains a RM50 million grant fund to support high-performance sports events organized by sports bodies and the private sector, reflecting strong commitment.