Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 3, 2025: The Olympic Council of Malaysia has welcomed the government’s allocation of RM 580 million (US$138 million) for sports in 2026.
The Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Y.A.B. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced last month that sport in Budget 2026 has been allocated RM 580 million which represents an 150 percent increase compared to 2025.
“On behalf of the Olympic Family in Malaysia, we express our highest appreciation to Y.A.B. Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the substantial increase in the 2026 sports budget,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamed Norza Zakaria, OCM President and Vice President of OCA.
This significant increase is crucial to sustain and strengthen existing high-performance initiatives such as the Road to Gold Programme, Podium Programme, and Pelapis Programme, as well as to support Malaysia’s preparations to host both the 34th SEA Games and the 15th ASEAN Para Games in 2027.
The OCM in a press statement said the announcement by the Prime Minister to refurbish and maintain sports facilities nationwide is a commendable initiative by the Federal Government. It aligns with the national aspiration of promoting Malaysia as a healthy nation and fostering sports as a way of life.
The OCM also commended the commitment to upgrade school sports fields nationwide under the Ministry of Education, a move that is highly appreciated as schools serve as the foundation for discovering and nurturing future sporting champions.
OCM President Norza Zakaria said: “We also welcome the Government’s initiative to allow organisations approved by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia to utilise part of their income to support sporting activities.
“We hope the budget will be utilised wisely and transparently to further strengthen the entire sports ecosystem in Malaysia,” he added.