The Youth and Sports Ministry allocates RM10 million for the Para Podium programme to support athletes in 70 domestic and international competitions
THE Youth and Sports Ministry will allocate RM10 million next year for the Para Podium programme.
Minister Hannah Yeoh said the funding covers athlete assistance and their preparation for competitions.
The allocation will support para athletes competing in 36 international and 34 domestic events next year.
Yeoh noted a significant rise in para athlete participation in events like the Malaysia Games.
“Based on the SUKMA 2024 records in Sarawak, a total of 1,265 para athletes from across the country competed,” she said in the Dewan Negara.
The host contingent registered the highest participation with 213 athletes.
Comparing SUKMA 2022 and SUKMA 2024, she reported a 64% increase in para athlete participation.
She was responding to a question from Senator Isaiah Jacob on allocations for the PwD community.
Yeoh said the National Sports Council now fully manages para athlete preparation.
This role was previously held by the state Department for the Development of Persons with Disabilities.
The takeover ensures high-performance athletes receive development comparable to international standards.
The Department for the Development of Persons with Disabilities can now focus on promoting sports for wellbeing.
This allows it to encourage an active lifestyle within the broader PwD community. – Bernama
