KBS Allocates RM4.1 Million for Weightlifting, Open to Extra RM1 Million Request After Commonwealth Games Triumph

SEPANG, Aug 5 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has allocated RM4.1 million for national weightlifting development this year and remains open to evaluating the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation’s (PABM) request for an additional RM1 million in annual funding.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated that the 2026 allocation covers comprehensive athlete and coaching development, alongside high-performance pathways including the Road to Gold (RTG), Podium, Pelapis, and grassroots talent development programmes.

“I have spoken to PABM president Datuk Ayub Rahmat and several weightlifting associations to discuss the matter further. I understand part of the request relates to coaching costs and salaries,” Dr Mohammed Taufiq told reporters after welcoming home Malaysia’s Commonwealth Games contingent at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night.

“We will hold detailed discussions before making a decision because, ultimately, we want to invest in sports with the potential to deliver Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal. And, Insya-Allah, weightlifting will remain one of the sports we prioritise for development. We will continue discussions to determine the details of the additional funding required,” he added.

The minister noted that two weightlifters are currently enlisted under the elite RTG programme, while eight athletes are under the Podium programme and two others are enrolled in the Pelapis programme.

Addressing broader ecosystem support, Dr Mohammed Taufiq also pledged to examine the welfare of state-level coaches under the supervision of the National Sports Council (NSC) to ensure the sport’s continued momentum and structural progress.

“This is one of the measures we need to implement immediately to find a solution. We see this sport as one with the potential to deliver major victories for Malaysia in the future, so the welfare of coaches must also be given due attention by the ministry and the associations,” he said.

Weightlifting emerged as Malaysia’s standout discipline at the Commonwealth Games, contributing five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. The squad’s dominant showing helped the national contingent comfortably surpass its initial target, finishing with an overall haul of eight gold, three silver, and five bronze medals.

–NMT