SEPANG, Aug 5 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has allocated RM4.1 million for weightlifting development this year and is open to considering the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation's (PABM) request for an additional RM1 million in annual funding.
Its minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said the 2026 allocation covers athlete and coaching development, as well as 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.
"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, God-willing, 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 said.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq was speaking to reporters after welcoming home Malaysia's Commonwealth Games contingent at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night.
He said two weightlifters are currently part of the RTG programme, while eight athletes are under the Podium programme and another two are in the Pelapis programme.
Meanwhile, he also pledged to look into the welfare of state-level coaches under the supervision of the National Sports Council (NSC) to ensure the continued progress and performance of the sport.
"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 sport at the Commonwealth Games, contributing five gold, one silver and one bronze medal to help the national contingent surpass its initial target with an overall haul of eight gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
