Kuala Lumpur: The sports sector continues to receive the government's attention with an allocation of RM1.2 billion for sports development programmes next year.Tabling the 2017 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the allocation included RM450 million, specifically to host the 29th SEA Games and 9th Asean Para Games.
In addition, a sum of RM70 million has also been allocated for the Elite Sports Podium Development Programme to prepare athletes for international sports events.
"We are extremely proud of our national Olympic and Paralympic contingents.
For the first time, our national anthem, Negaraku, was played in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Brazil (three gold medal wins in Paralympics).
"The Olympic contingent won four silver medals and one bronze at the Olympic Games.
"Congratulations to our national heroes," said Najib.
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During the tabling of the Budget, the Rio Paralympic Games medallists who were present in parliament also received words of appreciation from Najib and shouts of applause from the Parliamentarians for their successes.
Najib also announced an allocation of RM54 million for Development Programmes involving Athletes Preparation Programmes and the Paralympic Athlete Preparation Programmes.
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He also announced that RM50 million had been allocated for the construction of a Football Academy phase II in Gambang, Pahang and RM122 million for the constructing and upgrading of sports facilities, including State Youth and Sports Complexes, the 1Malaysia Futsal Complex and Community Sports Complexes.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin thanked the Prime Minister for entrusting his ministry with RM1.2 billion for sports development programmes next year, following the announcement of the 2017 Budget Friday, reported the New Straits Times.
RM450 million from the overall sum will be spent on the 29th Sea Games and 9th Para Asean Games in Kuala Lumpur.
"There were many things that were announced today. The ministry's main agenda next year is definitely the Sea Games and Para Asean Games.
"As host, we want to be the best and also emerge as overall champions.
"I must thank our prime minister for trusting us with this big responsibility," said Khairy.