Youth and Sports Get RM98.06 million

The development of human capital is one of the government’s priorities, and young talent in sports is part of the equation. The State Government has allocated RM98.06 million for development in youth and sports for 2026.

“From the total amount, RM16.75 million is for youth human capital development and grants to youth associations, and RM27.21 million is for the development of sports. We will launch the Sabah Sports Welfare Fund for sports by 2026 to take care of the sports community. The fund will provide medical assistance and equipment support to sports men and women in addition to the aid provided by the National Athletes Welfare Foundation,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at the Sabah State Sports Awards 2023–2024 ceremony on 6 February 2026 at Magellan Sutera, Kota Kinabalu.

The state government has increased the incentive for athletes at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak, from RM5,000 to RM10,000 for a gold medal, and proportionate amount for other medals. “We are proud of our sports achievements at the Sabah Games, Malaysia Games, Malaysia Para Games and the Deaf Games, and at the international levels, Hajiji said. “Indeed, the sports representatives keep bringing honour to Sabah and Malaysia.” Career in sports is good, but the young athletes must also pursue academic education, Hajiji added.

“Sabah athletes must succeed in sports, and they must be educated, knowledgeable and creative. The development of sports and the pursuit of academic education among athletes must be balanced,” he said.

Head of State Tun Haji Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Hajah Faridah Tusin graced the occasion.