By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
HULU LANGAT, Oct 19 — The 2024 Selangor Budget, slated for tabling next month, should also focus on sports development in preparation for the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
This is the hope of the state executive councillor for youth and sports, Najwan Halimi, who said increased allocations compared to this year's budget could strengthen athlete training programmes and preparations.
"Certainly, we want to intensify the sports agenda. We hope the 2024 budget will consider the specific spending needs, especially to ensure Sukma athlete training programmes can be improved and augmented.
"For Sukma targets, we aim to be the overall champions. The last time this was the case was at Sarawak in 2016. For Sukma next year, we hope to achieve the same record and win more medals," he said.
Najwan was speaking at the inauguration of the Selangor Archery Centre at SK Saujana Impian yesterday.
Regarding youth-related programmes, he added they already plan to initiate such programmes next year.
"Besides sports, youth development at the state level is one of our priorities. This effort must align with Federal-level youth development agendas, like reviving Rakan Muda.
"We want to assist in promotion, approach, and content to ensure the policies announced by the Federal government are not just on paper. It is our responsibility at the state level to realise these efforts," Najwan said.
The 2023 Selangor Budget allocated RM2.24 million to continue improving and building new sports infrastructure in the state.
This aligns with promoting sports development and healthy activities, to create an active and competitive younger generation.
[caption id="attachment_331034" align="aligncenter" width="902"]
State executive councillor for youth and sports Najwan Halimi (centre) tries his hand at archery during the inauguration of the Selangor Archery Centre, at SK Saujana Impian, Kajang, on October 18, 2023. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
