“KBS and SIC will continue to engage with the Finance Ministry to examine the possibility of providing an appropriate support mechanism to ensure the continuity of development for high-potential national athletes, including those in motorsports.”
PETALING JAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and Sepang International Circuit (SIC) are exploring the possibility of introducing a new support mechanism to ensure the continued development of high-potential Malaysian motorsports athletes.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said discussions are currently ongoing with the Finance Ministry (MOF) to study suitable approaches to sustain funding for promising racers despite changes to government funding priorities.
“KBS and SIC will continue to engage with the Finance Ministry to examine the possibility of providing an appropriate support mechanism to ensure the continuity of development for high-potential national athletes, including those in motorsports,” he said in a statement today.
Mohammed Taufiq said the ministry’s recognise that achievements by Malaysian athletes on the global stage, including in sports not contested at major multi-sport events.
The Sungai Petani MP said that the ministry channelled RM3 million through the National Sports Trust Fund (KWASN) to SIC to implement the High-Performance Motorsports Development Programme last year.
Under the initiative, RM1.159 million was allocated for Hakim Danish to compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, while RM1.3 million was channelled to support Qabil Irfan in the ESBK Moto3 Talent programme.
Meanwhile, RM540,000 was allocated for Sharf Muhriz and Adam Danial to participate in the Asia Talent Cup.
Mohammed Taufiq said that the funding covered participation costs, team operations, training and other development requirements throughout the 2025 racing season.
“In addition, KBS approved an extra RM1 million allocation through KWASN to strengthen Hakim Danish’s development pathway through participation in the FIM JuniorGP World Championship 2025, which is widely regarded as one of the main feeder platforms for young riders aspiring to reach the MotoGP World Championship.”
However, he also pointed out that a policy decision made last year determined that, beginning in 2026, KWASN funding applications would prioritise sports contested at major multi-sport events.
These include the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Asian and Para Asian Games, the Commonwealth Games, as well as the Sea Games and Asean Para Games, based on the lists recognised by the Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Malaysian Paralympic Council.
“The decision was made in consideration of several major competitions facing the national contingent in the coming years, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this August, the Asian Games in Doha from September to October, the Para Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya in October, and the 2027 Sea Games, which Malaysia will host.”
Nevertheless, Mohammed Tawfiq said that KBS remains committed to supporting the development of local sporting talent, including in motorsports, in its efforts to produce high-performance athletes capable of competing at the world level.
In particular, Mohammed Tawfiq said the journey and achievements of Hakim Danish continue to inspire Malaysia’s younger generation.
“He proves that with discipline, courage and the right support, our young Malaysians can compete with the best riders in the world.”
He added that KBS will continue working closely with stakeholders, including the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), government agencies, industry partners and corporate sponsors to strengthen the country’s sports ecosystem and secure the future of Malaysian athletes.
The Sun Malaysia
