KUALA LUMPUR — The National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) is strengthening support for former national athletes through a new 360-degree initiative aimed at addressing their long-term welfare needs beyond financial assistance.
Yakeb said the initiative adopts a more comprehensive approach to the well-being of former athletes, covering areas including healthcare, income security, career development and entrepreneurship.
The foundation said the move comes amid growing calls for stronger support systems for retired athletes, particularly those facing financial difficulties, health problems and challenges securing employment after their sporting careers.
“Yakeb is currently strengthening a new approach through the 360-degree initiative, which is designed to look at the needs of former athletes more comprehensively — from welfare and health assistance to self-development, career and entrepreneurship opportunities,” it told Scoop.
The initiative will be among Yakeb’s key priorities as it plans and applies for allocations for 2027.
The foundation also welcomed calls from former national athletes to strengthen assistance and support schemes for Olympians and retired athletes, describing the views as an important reminder that their welfare must be addressed from a broader perspective.
Former national hockey player Maninderjit Singh recently urged the government to establish a comprehensive welfare framework for retired athletes following the hospitalisation of two members of Malaysia’s 1975 World Cup hockey squad.
Maninderjit said many former national athletes struggled to make ends meet after retirement, while some faced inadequate savings, long-term injuries sustained during their sporting careers and difficulties securing employment.
Yakeb said the concerns raised by former athletes reinforced the need for support to extend beyond those experiencing immediate hardship.
“Their needs are not only when facing hardship, but also involve aspects of health, sources of income, career development and long-term well-being,” it said.
Yakeb said government support, particularly from the Youth and Sports Ministry, remained crucial in strengthening its existing programmes and developing more sustainable forms of assistance.
“Cooperation with the ministry is also an important foundation for Yakeb to strengthen existing approaches and explore more comprehensive and sustainable forms of support for the long term,” it said.
The foundation added that healthcare remained one of its priorities, with efforts underway to improve members’ access to medical facilities and services through collaborations with health institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
Yakeb also continues to provide assistance under its Special Assistance Scheme, which covers medical treatment, healthcare equipment, self-sufficiency support and other forms of aid for eligible members.
The foundation stressed that ensuring the welfare of former athletes could not be the responsibility of a single organisation.
“It requires continuous cooperation between the government, sports bodies, the corporate sector, strategic partners and the community,” it said.
Yakeb added that feedback from former athletes was essential in helping it assess and improve its existing programmes.
“The ultimate goal remains the same — ensuring that those who have fought for Malaysia are not forgotten after their sporting careers have ended,” it said. – September 7, 2026