KUALA LUMPUR — Nearly 80 coaching applications, including several from established international names, have landed on Malaysia Athletics’ (MA) table as the body moves to revamp its technical setup ahead of the 2027 Sea Games on home soil.
The hiring exercise, conducted in collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC), is expected to see around 20 coaches — a blend of foreign and local expertise appointed to strengthen both the Podium and Development (Pelapis) programmes.
The move comes after MA came under scrutiny following a modest return at the 2025 Thailand Sea Games, where the national track and field squad managed only five gold, five silver and six bronze medals from the 47 gold medals on offer.
Speaking to Scoop, MA president Datuk Karim Ibrahim said the overhaul is part of a broader reset aimed at ensuring the sport contributes significantly to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming overall champions when hosting the 2027 edition.
“We are working closely with the NSC to appoint about 20 coaches. They will be placed either under the Podium Programme or the Development Programme,” he said when contacted.
“So far, we have received close to 80 applications. Although we already have a shortlist, we must complete the interview process before deciding on their placements.”
Karim revealed that several high-calibre foreign coaches have expressed interest, including a Finnish hammer throw specialist with a personal best exceeding 78 metres and a German coach with experience handling world-class athletes.
He noted that such expertise would directly benefit national throwers such as shot putter Jonah Chang and discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin.
However, he added that final selections would also depend on the salary structure determined by the NSC.
“The coaching structure this time will not be the same as before because we are prioritising results. We do not want to waste government funds. We want coaches who can produce Podium-level athletes,” he said.
Karim explained that allocations under the Podium Programme would depend on the disciplines identified as medal prospects for major meets such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
“At present, there are 21 athletes under the Podium Programme, and the coaching appointments will be aligned with those priorities,” he added. — February 6, 2026