Govt to fast-track first national sepak takraw academy
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to expedite the establishment of Malaysia's first national sepak takraw academy, with completion targeted by the end of this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision reflects the government's commitment to strengthening traditional sports and nurturing homegrown talent to compete at the highest levels.
"We will make the sepak takraw academy a reality in this country.
"I believe sepak takraw, like football, is a sport that makes us proud, not just nationally but also regionally and globally.
"The academy can be completed before the end of this year because the Madani government is a government that works hard," he said in his speech at the launch of National Youth Day here today.
Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Anwar said Yeoh had requested an allocation of RM6 million for the project, which would serve as a platform to develop young athletes and elevate the sport to greater heights.
He also acknowledged the growing interest among Malaysian youth in both traditional and modern recreational activities, saying these pursuits should be supported as long as they remain within cultural values and norms.
"This is part of our cultural heritage — from cities to kampungs (villages), from youth who dance for leisure to those who play futsal and football.
"As long as it stays within the boundaries of proper conduct, we support it," he said.
He said the unity government would continue prioritising youth empowerment through sports, the arts, and positive community engagement, in line with the Madani vision.
Anwar also announced that the government has agreed to allocate RM4 million to the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) to strengthen youth development.
He said the decision followed a request by the council's president, Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid.
"This is an increase of RM1 million from last year's allocation, which saw an additional RM3 million channelled to the Youth and Sports Ministry.
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