Malaysian Government Plans to Spend Big on Sport

Malaysia plans to spend US$61.24 million in 2013 to boost the country’s sporting performance.

“The challenge for us here is simply that that we don’t just spend money, but to make sure that the money will generate sporting success,” youth and sports minister, Ahmad Shabery Cheek, said.

The figure is higher than spending in previous years and US$2.7million of the budget has been set aside for the biennial Malaysia Games, for under-21 athletes, to be held in Kuala Lumpur next June.

Malaysia won its first medal outside of badminton at the London Olympics this year, as Pandelela Rinong finished third in the women’s 10 metre diving event.

“Although we didn’t win gold this time, it was by far our best performance to date. And we know we can excel in different sports,” Ahmad Shabery said.{jcomments on}