KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, has emphasised the need for adequate funding to strengthen the development of para sports in the country.
Shahriman said that approximately RM20 million is required annually to boost the sector.
“For development, we need at least RM20 million. Para sports deserve it,” Shahriman said during a press conference at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil today.
“All funding should be merit-based, reflecting achievements. Our athletes have already demonstrated their abilities through their performances. We do not want their progress and momentum to be stalled due to a lack of funding, as they are currently on the right track.”
He also urged the corporate sector to follow the example of Chery Malaysia and support para sports, which would reduce reliance on government funding.
It is understood that the government has allocated between RM10 million and RM12 million annually for para sports development in recent years.
Shahriman made the remarks during an incentive presentation ceremony for the national contingent that recently competed at the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai.
Malaysian athletes returned from Dubai with a total of 14 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze medals, a significant improvement over the three gold, four silver, and five bronze medals won at the previous edition in Bahrain in 2021.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Taufiq Johari, encouraged national para athletes to aim even higher.
“A few years ago in Bahrain, we won only three gold medals, but now we have returned with 14 golds and 39 medals in total – an outstanding achievement,” Dr Taufiq said during his speech.
“I am confident that you have the ability to achieve even more. Do not stop here. This is only the beginning; we still have a long journey ahead.”
Swimmer Elysha Cheong emerged as the standout performer for Malaysia in Dubai, securing four gold medals in the women’s 100m and 400m freestyle (S10), 100m butterfly (S8-S10), and 100m breaststroke (SB9), as well as a bronze in the 200m individual medley (S9).
Athletes received incentives of RM7,500 for each gold, RM4,000 for each silver, and RM2,000 for each bronze.
Chery Malaysia has been a consistent supporter of para sports in the country, contributing over RM300,000 to the Malaysian contingent for the Dubai games. – December 23, 2025