Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 20, 2024: The Olympic Council of Malaysia applauds the Government’s inclusive Budget 2025, reaffirming its commitment to the development of sports in Malaysia.
OCM President Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria praised the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025, presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 18, for its continued support of both Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
“Key initiatives, such as the Road to Gold and Podium programmes, continue to provide world-class training and resources for athletes,” he said.
“The allocation for football and tax exemptions for recipients of the Skim Hadiah Kemenangan Sukan (SHAKAM – National Sports Incentives Scheme) further demonstrates the Government’s dedication to sporting excellence.
“Budget 2025 reflects the Government’s deep understanding of the role sports play in uniting and uplifting our nation.”
Tan Sri Norza extended his congratulations to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), one of OCM’s member associations, for receiving the direct allocation of RM15 million to develop the national senior and age-group teams.
He further noted the importance of maintaining the matching grant, which provides financial support for high-performance sports events organized by sports bodies and encourages private sector partnerships. This initiative, he believes, will continue to enhance the quality of sporting events in Malaysia.
The introduction of tax relief for parents purchasing sports equipment is another progressive step, encouraging broader participation in sports and fostering active lifestyles across all segments of society.
“This budget is a clear reflection of the Government’s vision for an inclusive sports ecosystem—one that nurtures champions and promotes community well-being,” concluded Tan Sri Norza.