Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Sports Industry Expo (EISS) 2023 introduced for the first time in Sabah is expected to generate an economic return of RM1 million.
The two-day event is being held at Palm Court, Centre Point comprising 28 exhibitors and 40 exhibition booths.
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Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh who officiated the launching ceremony on Saturday, said the figure is only estimated through the expo alone.
“Congratulations to the organisers and all those who attended and got involved in the Sabah Sports Industry Expo 2023 (EISS 2023).
“When I met with the Sports Industry Secretariat (SIS) since I held the portfolio of Minister of Youth and Sports, I had requested that a sports industry expo be organised in Sabah.
“This is because Sabah is famous for its interesting sports destinations such as scuba diving, mountain climbing, golf and other natural activities.
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“I understand that this expo involves 30 industry players from various segments, including sports tourism, sports facilities, sports retail, sports medicine, sports event management, sports education and from that, an economic return of one million ringgit is estimated through this (expo) alone,” she said.
She added that her Ministry (KBS) is making an effort to advance the sports industry as the main economic sector in the country. “The impact will be felt more through collaboration between the government, the private sector and sports organisations.
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“I am very happy because this EISS has translated the government’s desire to intensify smart partnership with the private sector.
“For the 2024 Budget which is currently being prepared by the Ministry of Finance, I am also trying to include the cost or fee of sports training in the list of tax exemptions for lifestyle.
“Apart from the tax relief for the purchase of sports equipment which for the year 2024 can be used by all 103 types of sports based on the amendment of the Sports Development Act 1997.
“This shows that sports are not only beneficial in terms of health but they can also develop as one of the industries that help economic growth and improve the country’s image,” she added.
She also announced that RM 774,000 has been approved to boost Sabah’s sports industry in addition to RM1 million allocation to the Sabah Youth and Sports Department for the sports community fund.
She assured that there will be continuous cooperation between KBS and KBS Sabah on various issues related to youth development and sports and they will be holding a KBS/Sabah/Sarawak Joint Committee (KEMSAS) meeting with Sabah on Sept 7.
Meanwhile, State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin gave his full support to Hannah in her effort through KBS to develop sports as an industry that is competitive and important.
He also hopes the Federal KBS will be able to provide more initiatives and incentives to help sports entrepreneurs in the state to improve the industry.
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