KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Athletics (MA) has shelved its broader coaching overhaul for the time being to focus entirely on preparations for the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games, following confirmation from the National Sports Council (NSC) that funding has been approved for a scaled-down coaching setup.
This follows a joint working committee meeting between MA and NSC earlier today in Bukit Jalil, which ended with the appointment of one head coach, Mohd Manshahar Abdul Jalil, and six additional coaches dedicated specifically to preparing athletes for the regional games in December.
MA president Datuk Karim Ibrahim, when contacted by Scoop, clarified that the coaching appointments were made with the SEA Games in mind and are not part of a long-term plan.
The coaches will specialise in jump events, long distance and sprinting.
“Our focus is now on the Bangkok SEA Games and getting as many of our athletes to qualify before the closing date on September 4,” said Karim.
“From 160 athletes in total, we have 43 under the national Podium Programme who are vying for places at the Games.”
Karim also confirmed that the Malaysia Open, scheduled to take place in Perlis from August 28 to 31, will be the final qualifying event for national athletes seeking to make the cut for Bangkok.
The NSC has additionally approved 13 overseas and local competitions to serve as qualification platforms. These include track and field meets in India, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
In a bid to enhance athlete readiness, MA is also exploring sparring opportunities with foreign athletes.
“Another thing we are trying to do for our athletes is to get them sparring partners before the SEA Games. That is why I’m trying to bring in athletes from South Africa to train here with ours,” Karim added.
In April, under former president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, MA had secured approval in principle from the NSC to hire three foreign and three local coaches to strengthen Malaysia’s athletics structure across all disciplines.
However, the change in leadership — with Karim now at the helm — and budget constraints led to a reassessment of those plans.
NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin had reiterated earlier that while a budget had been allocated, it was up to the association to manage within its means, noting that priorities must now shift toward immediate SEA Games preparations.
The longer-term development blueprint will only be revisited after the Bangkok Games, especially as Malaysia prepares to host the 2027 edition of the SEA Games. — July 11, 2025