KBS Assures Cost-saving Measures Will Not Affect Athletes’ Preparations

SEREMBAN, May 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has assured that the cost-saving measures currently being formulated will not affect the quality of preparations for national athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said discussions on the matter were ongoing, but stressed that they would not involve cuts to sports development programmes, athlete participation or the quality of preparations for the national contingent.

“These cost-saving measures are not only related to domestic programmes, but include all aspects of how we can reduce certain rates and costs so that the savings can be utilised for more important matters.

“However, most importantly, they will not involve any reduction in the quality of athlete preparations, participation in sports or the quality of the sports themselves,” he told reporters after the National Youth Day (HBN) 2026 celebration officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here today.

Mohammed Taufiq said this when asked to comment on the government’s cost-saving measures following the global supply crisis due to the conflict in West Asia.

Malaysia is scheduled to compete in 10 events at the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland beginning July 23, while 27 events have been listed for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Taufiq said the Malaysian Youth Development Action Plan 2035, launched this morning in conjunction with HBN, outlined seven main thrusts involving all ministries required to implement programmes related to KBS.

“It includes digital leadership, artificial intelligence (AI), education, employment opportunities and others… our action plan serves as a guide for us moving forward to ensure the youth we nurture can become the future generation of the country,” he said.

On another matter, Mohammed Taufiq said his ministry was leaving it entirely to the Home Ministry and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to resolve issues related to the citizenship status of seven heritage players.

He said KBS would not interfere in matters involving associations and would leave it to the relevant authorities to make decisions.

The media previously reported that the national football supporters group Ultras Malaya had called for the citizenship of seven Harimau Malaya heritage players to be revoked following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling confirming the falsification of eligibility documents.

-- BERNAMA