MAF to expedite process of opening second bank account to receive NSC funds

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) has assured that it will expedite the process of opening a second bank account, a requirement to receive funds from the National Sports Council (NSC).

For context, the MAF is one of nine National Sports Associations (NSAs) yet to establish this secondary account, a step mandated after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSC in June.

“Regarding the empowerment scheme, we sought clarification from the NSC and received it today. I can confirm that the MAF board will now speed up the process required to set up this second account,” MAF general manager Nurhayati Karim said following a meeting between MAF and the NSC.

Under the MoU, the NSC will disburse funds based on agreed plans covering areas such as athlete and coach management, training and development programs, competitions, and facilities.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh recently voiced her disappointment over some NSAs’ delays in meeting this requirement, noting that 19 associations signed the MoU in June.

She emphasised that the empowerment payment method aims to strengthen governance and improve financial management within each NSA through national programs such as Podium and Back-Up (Pelapis).

Earlier this week, the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) also confirmed that it is in the final stages of setting up its second account, with a Working Committee (JKK) meeting scheduled with the NSC at the end of the month. – November 12, 2024