This article is sponsored by Ministry of Youth & Sports
Images via Canva; Edited by RAAGA
And just like that, it's 2024. Last year was filled with so many memorable moments. Who can forget AR Rahman's concert at Stadium Bukit Jalil, mesmerising over 60,000 fans? Remember Malaysian songstress Siti Nurhaliza belting out Munbe Vaa in flawless Tamil? Epic!
The sports scene was equally remarkable, with milestones like S. Sivasangari bagging 2 gold medals in squash at the 19th Asian Games. The next Nicol David, maybe?
It was also a good year for the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) as they made game-changing reforms for youth and sports.
ICYMI, here are the 22 improvements KBS implemented in 2023
#1 Big Screen Programme makes live sports more accessible
Missing out on stadium action? KBS’ Big Screen Programme brings live sports events to the public on giant screens (and for free!). Stay updated on the next big screen event through KBS’ Instagram.
#2 A special committee to bring home Olympic gold
KBS has formed the Road to Gold committee, led by sporting legends like Datuk Nicol Ann David, Datuk Wira (Dr) Lee Chong Wei and Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi. Their mission is crystal clear—to bring home the nation’s very first Olympic gold at Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.
#3 Sport goods are now more affordable
“Rahmah price” was a catchphrase in 2023. Not only could you find Rahmah menus; sports gears with pocket-friendly prices were also available via the Rahmah Sports sale under the national Payung Rahmah program.
Look out for upcoming Rahmah Sports sale and get that futsal ball you’ve been eyeing for!
#4 Roaring for Malayan tiger
Cheering for our national football team, Harimau Malaya, just got better. KBS and the Football Association of Malaysia teamed up to save the Malayan tigers, with RM1 from every Harimau Malaya ticket sale going towards saving these endangered species.
#5 A directory of sports facilities
If you’re looking for a spot to play badminton or football, you can search for it at KBS’ sports facilities directory. Over 1,000 sports facilities nationwide are listed in a directory accessible on KBS’ website.
#6 Schools can host their Sports Day at stadiums
Schools can now organise their Sports Day at premier venues like Bukit Jalil National Stadium at no additional charges, thanks to KBS and the Malaysian Stadium Corporation.
Other stadiums available include Jalan Duta Sports Complex and Bukit Kiara Sports Complex. To apply, visit the Malaysian Stadium Corporation website.
#7 Free swimming class for B40 kids
Swimming class is now more accessible for the B40 community with the Kemahiran Latihan Asas Sukan (KLAS) Renang! B40 children between 6 to 12 years old can sign up for free swimming lessons at 54 locations nationwide.
Keep an eye out on KBS’ Instagram for details about the next enrolment.
#8 It’s easier to organise local sports events
No more red tape! All local sports events organised by sports associations and clubs registered under the Sports Development Act 1997 no longer need approval from the Sports Commissioner.
#9 Game on! eSports is now officially a sport
Image via Canva
The next time you get told off for ‘wasting’ your time with video games, tell them you’re playing a legit sport!
eSports and combat sports are now part of a 103-long—it used to be 51—list of sports recognised in the country and listed in the Sports Development Act 1997. This also means gamers will be able to enjoy perks like tax exemption for coaching fees and funding from KBS!
#10 There’s a guideline that protects eSports gamers
Now that eSports is an official sport, KBS has introduced The National eSports Development Guideline to develop greater regulation, rights, and responsibilities in the eSports industry. It covers issues such as management of player contracts, a code of conduct and ethics, and guidance on eSports career paths.
#11 Creating a safe sports environment
To ensure that our sports environment is free from all forms of abuse and interference, KBS has launched the Safe Sports Code. The code serves as a reference for the sporting community on the scope of safe sports and comprehensive responsibilities of the sports community.
This code also outlines the types of misconduct that occur in sports based on international guidelines and local laws.
#12 Resolving sports-related dispute
KBS has established a Sports Dispute Committee to address conflicts related to sports bodies and their members. So, if you’re facing any sports conflict, bring the matter to this committee.
#13 Martial arts is now a sport in schools
Image via Canva
Martial arts such as silat and taekwando have been reclassified as sports in schools. Yay to equal recognition for combat sports athletes! =
#14 KBS Open Day to reduce bureaucratic hurdles
To simplify interactions with government agencies, KBS has initiated the KBS Open Day, which happens on the first Friday of every month.
Clubs as well as youth and sports associations can walk in for faster applications and enquiries.
#15 Transparent sports association funds
Curious about the amount of approved funds provided to sports association? KBS has made those funds as public information. It’s available under the “geran/bantuan” tab on the ministry’s website, along with details of programmes that are being carried out using the money.
#16 Camp like a champ
Image via Canva
Camping lovers, this good news is for you. KBS, through its Institute of Leadership, Development and Excellence, has opened 7 Kem Wawasan Negara camping sites equipped with facilities such as prayer rooms, toilets, and recreational areas. The best part is, they only cost between RM10 to RM20 per family!
Here are the locations of 7 Kem Wawasan Negara:
- Ulu Nenas, Perak
- Ulu Sepri, Negeri Sembilan
- Maran, Pahang
- Langkawi, Kedah
- Kundasang, Sabah
- Besut, Tereggganu
- Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Details on how to reserve a spot at these camps are available on their individual social media pages.
#17 There’s a space for every athlete to train
National sports associations can now secure permanent training grounds through the 1 Sport, 1 Facility initiative. This move enables the athletes to focus on growing their talents.
#18 Making escorts mandatory for para-athletes
KBS has made it compulsory for national para-athletes to be accompanied by supporting officers in any international tournament. Doing so ensures the safety of para-athletes and helps to meet their needs, if any.
#19 Rakan Muda just got bigger and better
Rakan Muda, a youth lifestyle platform that offers interactive workshops and events, added 10 new interest categories to its list, including Rakan Litar, which caters to fans of motorsports.
Malaysians between the ages of 15 to 30 can sign up as a member on the Rakan Muda website.
#20 Youths get a special residence at RM10/day
Youths that are in KL for job-hunting or training can secure a temporary stay at Youth Capsule @IYCResidence, which is managed by the International Youth Centre (IYC).
For only RM10 a day, guests will get a bed and access to amenities such as laundry, personal locker, bathroom and more.
For reservations or enquiries, visit IYC’s website.
#21 Politics & democracy at Rukun Negara School
Recognising the significance of politics, KBS has introduced Rukun Negara School to enhance political literacy among youths, who are the future leaders of our country.
Through this program, they’ll learn about the Federal Constitution, electoral processes, and principles of Rukun Negara.
#22 A special committee to boost our sports ecosystem
A High-Level Committee, formed through collaboration between KBS, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Higher Education, has been tasked to develop sports in the country.
In a nutshell…
We’re excited to see what else KBS has in store for the development of youths and sports this year!
Stay updated with KBS
For the latest updates about the ministry's programmes, visit their website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X.