RM98.06 million allocated for youth and sports development this year

7 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated RM98.06 million to the Youth, Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Ministry this year, reaffirming its commitment to developing Sabah’s youth and sports sectors, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

“Of this total, RM16.75 million is specifically designated for youth human capital development and grants to youth associations, while RM27.21 million is allocated for sports development,” he stated.

Hajiji emphasised that this allocation underscores the government’s dedication to nurturing youth as valuable assets and future leaders of Sabah.

Speaking at the Sabah State Sports Awards 2023–2024 ceremony at Magellan Sutera tonight, Hajiji also revealed plans to establish the Sabah Sports Welfare Fund this year. The fund aims to safeguard the welfare of sportsmen and sportswomen in the state and support the development of high-performance athletes.

He explained that the Welfare Fund is currently in the planning stages, managed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Creative Economy.

“The Welfare Fund will also provide medical assistance and equipment support to former Sabah national and state athletes who are ill, injured, or in need of further aid, supplementing the assistance already provided by the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB). This initiative is another recognition by the State Government of athletes’ contributions and aims to ease the financial burdens faced by those who have sacrificed greatly to bring honour to Sabah and Malaysia at both national and international levels,” he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated that sports development remains a key government agenda, with ongoing efforts to produce more successful young athletes from Sabah.

“The government consistently offers the highest levels of encouragement to athletes. As part of these efforts, I have personally increased the incentive for athletes at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak, from RM5,000 to RM10,000 for a gold medal, as well as for other medals won, to further motivate our competitors,” he added.

Hajiji also highlighted the progress of Sabah’s athletes, noting numerous achievements at the Sabah Games, Malaysia Games, Malaysia Para Games, Deaf Games, and on the international stage.

“The sacrifices made by these athletes in bringing honour to Sabah and Malaysia are immense,” he said.

The Chief Minister advised young state athletes to prioritise academic achievement alongside their sporting pursuits.

“We recognise that sports help instil discipline within society, especially among young people who are our future hope. While a career in athletics can be financially rewarding, I hope athletes do not neglect their education. That’s why talented athletes are enrolled in sports schools across the country, allowing them to train effectively while receiving quality education,” he explained.

He emphasised that Sabah’s athletes should aim not only for sporting success but also to develop strong intellectual, educational, and creative capacities. “The development of both sporting excellence and academic achievement must go hand in hand,” he stated.

Hajiji also reminded athletes to steer clear of elements that could harm themselves or their teams, whether directly or indirectly.

Congratulating the award recipients, he expressed hope that their success would serve as a foundation for continued progress and greater achievements in the future.

The ceremony was attended by Head of State Tun Haji Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Hajah Faridah Tusin.