KUALA LUMPUR – Fresh off a triumphant showing at the Commonwealth Games, weightlifting in Malaysia could be set for an extra financial shot in the arm.
The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has already allocated RM4.1 million for the sport’s development this year, but is now open to considering an additional RM1 million annual funding bid submitted by the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation (PABM).
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari confirmed the current 2026 allocation spans across multiple levels, covering athlete and coaching development alongside 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 (the RM1 million request) further. I understand part of the request relates to coaching costs and salaries,” Dr Mohammed Taufiq said.
“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, Insya-Allah, 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 added.
Speaking to reporters after welcoming home the national Commonwealth Games contingent at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night, the minister revealed that two weightlifters are currently under the elite RTG banner, eight in the Podium programme, and two in the Pelapis pipeline.
Beyond athlete support, Dr Mohammed Taufiq also pledged to address the welfare of state-level coaches managed by the National Sports Council (NSC) to sustain the sport’s momentum.
“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 stressed.
Weightlifting proved to be Malaysia’s crown jewel at the recent Games, yielding five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. The dominant performance helped the national contingent comfortably surpass its initial target, finishing with an overall tally of eight gold, three silver, and five bronze medals.
The minister’s pledge comes in the wake of concerns raised over the long-standing welfare and financial insecurity faced by state-level coaches.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) vice-president Ahmad Janius Abdullah revealed that most state coaches operate on allowance-based arrangements under state sports councils rather than formal employment schemes.
He highlighted that many receive modest monthly allowances—ranging between RM450 and RM600 for part-timers, and generally RM1,000 to RM4,000 for full-timers—without EPF contributions or long-term financial security, despite being tasked with grooming future champions. – 5 August, 2026