KUALA LUMPUR – In a landmark move for Malaysian sports, the National Women’s League (LWN) has received a record RM840,000 in funding through the Sports Matching Grant (GPS) from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) — the largest allocation ever directed toward the development of women’s football in the country.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, speaking at the launch of the 2025 LWN season, described the investment as a strategic push to raise the standard and visibility of the women’s game at all levels.
“This fund serves three core objectives — to expand participation opportunities from grassroots to the professional level; to discover and nurture emerging talent; and to strengthen the national team’s competitiveness and world ranking,” she said.
The injection of funds is expected to significantly enhance the league’s professionalism — including improved match quality, technical infrastructure, and media coverage — and represents a strong step toward making women’s football in Malaysia more competitive, respected, and sustainable.
Also present at the launch were Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub and FAM Women’s Football Committee chairman Datuk Suraya Yaacob, both of whom welcomed the government’s commitment to elevating the women’s game.
The 2025 LWN features eight teams, including returning clubs Kelana United FC, Sabah FA, Selangor FC, and Red Eagles FC, alongside new challengers Young Tigress, KL Rangers FC, Kuala Lumpur FA, and MBSJ FC. Teams are permitted to register a maximum of two import players each to ensure local talent development remains a priority.
This season kicked off on July 12, with Red Eagles FC earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against defending champions Kelana United FC — a sign of the league’s growing competitiveness.
The RM840,000 allocation is more than just financial aid — it’s a powerful statement of intent to put women’s football on the map and build a robust pathway for future generations of female footballers in Malaysia. — July 24, 2025