KUALA LUMPUR – The Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) says it is now better positioned to stabilise its financial commitments and strengthen player welfare and development programmes after receiving a combined RM3 million in fresh government-linked support.
The boost comes in the form of a RM2 million allocation from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to support the federation’s development agenda, alongside a RM1 million Matching Sports Grant approved by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to assist preparations for the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2026.
PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said the funding would ease immediate financial pressures, particularly in the management and operation of the newly completed Sepak Takraw Malaysia academy, while also allowing the federation to plan more structured long-term development initiatives.
“This support really helps us to stabilise our current financial situation and, at the same time, ensure that the welfare of our players and the overall development of the sport are properly taken care of,” Sumali told Scoop when contacted.
“It reflects a strong commitment from the prime minister to see sepak takraw continue growing at both domestic and international levels. With this allocation, we are no longer just managing day-to-day constraints, but we can start focusing on building a more sustainable pathway for athletes, coaches and the overall ecosystem of the sport,” he added.
Sumali acknowledged that without the additional funding, PSM would still have had to operate within its existing limited resources, but said the injection would significantly improve planning efficiency across both short-term and long-term programmes.
“Without this assistance, we would have continued to manage as best as we could with what we have. But with this support, we can now execute more structured programmes, whether in the immediate term or in longer-term development planning,” he said.
The RM6 million Sepak Takraw Malaysia academy, officially launched by Anwar, brings together key facilities under one roof, including athlete accommodation, a gymnasium, classrooms, and training courts designed to serve as a central hub for national development.
Meanwhile, the RM1 million matching grant will be channeled towards preparations for the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2026, which will be held at Stadium Titiwangsa from May 16 to 23.
Sumali said the additional support was particularly timely given rising operational costs linked to global uncertainties, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have impacted logistics and event planning expenses.
“The cost of organising international-standard events has increased significantly. This assistance helps ease that burden and ensures we can still deliver a high-quality tournament despite the external challenges,” he said. – April 14, 2026