MPM requests RM20 million from the Youth and Sports Ministry for 2026 to sustain para sports momentum after a successful Asian Youth Para Games.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) has requested a RM20 million allocation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2026 to strengthen the country’s para sports development programme.
Its president, Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin (pic), said the amount was realistic following the excellent performance of para athletes this year, including at the recent 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) in Dubai.
“For development, we need at least RM20 million. These para athletes have proven their capabilities in terms of performance and merit, so an appropriate allocation is very appropriate,” he said.
He added that the fund should be evaluated based on merit to prevent athlete momentum from stagnating.
Megat D. Shahriman spoke after a ceremony where automotive company Chery handed over RM208,000 in incentives to AYPG medallists.
The incentives were presented by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari at the National Sports Council.
The national contingent recorded its best achievement at AYPG 2025, winning 14 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals for a total of 39.
Teenage para swimmer Elysha Cheong Hui Yin received the highest incentive of RM32,000 after winning four golds and one bronze.
She described the success as an unexpected achievement, having renewed her personal records in each event.
“I can do better of course. My training is probably not enough. I can do more and I can do better personal best records of course,” she said.
Elysha also set a target to be among the elite para swimmers before the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games to qualify for the prestigious event.
