Hajiji: Sabah committed to developing youth, high-performance athletes with RM98.06 mln allocation this year

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 7): The Sabah government has allocated RM98.06 million to the State Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Ministry this year, reflecting its commitment to developing the state’s youth and sports sector, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

“Of the total amount, RM16.75 million is specifically allocated for youth human capital development and grants to youth associations, while RM27.21 million is for the development of sports,” he said.

According to him, this demonstrates the state government’s commitment to developing youth as valuable assets and future leaders of Sabah.

Speaking at the Sabah State Sports Awards 2023–2024 ceremony at Magellan Sutera on Friday, Hajiji said the state government will also launch the Sabah Sports Welfare Fund this year to safeguard the welfare of sportsmen and sportswomen while producing more high-performance athletes in the state.

He added that the Welfare Fund is currently in the planning stages by the State Ministry of Youth Development, Sports Advancement 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 assistance, in addition to the aid provided by the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB).

“This initiative marked another recognition by the state government to the athletes’ contributions and aims to ease the financial burden of those who have sacrificed greatly to bring honour to Sabah and Malaysia at the national and international levels,” he said.

The Chief Minister said sports development has always been a key government agenda in its efforts to produce more successful young Sabah athletes.

“The government consistently provides the highest level of encouragement to athletes to succeed, and 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 boost the fighting spirit of competing athletes.

“I always keep track of the progress of our state’s athletes. I see many achievements and improvements that are not only commendable at the Sabah Games, Malaysia Games, Malaysia Para Games and the Deaf Games, but also at the international and world levels.

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

Hajiji also advised young state athletes to place importance on academic achievement.

“We realise that sports help build high discipline in society, especially among young people who will be our hope in the future. Although a career in athletics can also offer lucrative income, I hope athletes will not neglect their academic pursuits.

“That is why high-potential athletes are placed in sports schools throughout the country so that they can train well and comfortably, while at the same time receiving the best education.

“The government wants Sabah athletes not only to succeed in sports, but also to possess strong intellect, education or knowledge, and high creativity.

“Therefore, the development of sports and academic excellence among athletes must be balanced,” he said.

He also reminded athletes to avoid elements that could harm themselves or their teams, whether directly or indirectly.

Congratulating the award recipients, Hajiji expressed hope that their success would serve as a starting point for continued achievements in the future.

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