National Women's League scores big with RM840,000 boost
Thanks to historic investment, stronger institutional backing and even interest from international scouts, the women's game is finally stepping out of the shadows.
At the launch of the National Women's Football League (LWN) on Thursday, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub sent a clear message — it's time women's football got the recognition it deserves.
"This year, for the first time, the Ministry is channeling RM840,000 in matching grants to support the women's league. It's the most we've ever given — and it's just the beginning," said Yeoh.
She added that the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will now be open to the women's national team.
"If the men's team isn't playing, let the women train and play there. They deserve to be on the same stage," she said.
FAM president Joehari, who has been vocal about lifting the women's game, said increased interest from sponsors was a clear sign of progress.
"Sponsors are coming in because the performance and growth of women's football are improving. Even FIFA told me they're impressed with how far we've come," he said.
This season's LWN will run for six months and feature eight teams — a major upgrade from the stop-start tournaments of the past.
The league is jointly organised by FAM and Sports Media Malaysia.
Yeoh highlighted how women's football has often borne the brunt of budget cuts.
"That's unfair. When you give them support and visibility, they deliver results," she said.
On concerns that resources are still skewed towards the men's game, Joehari was quick to push back.
"There is no bias. Every level — from youth to senior, men and women — is being supported. That's why I travelled to Australia to ensure the women's team had the same exposure and opportunities as the men," he said.
Yeoh also hinted at a possible shake-up of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP), with discussions underway for FAM to take full control of the youth pipeline, including the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD).
Whether that handover happens this year or later, one thing is certain: women's football in Malaysia is no longer an afterthought.
"This isn't charity. This is investment — real, sustained, meaningful investment," said Yeoh.
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