Is sports industry being ‘punished’ for not winning Olympic gold?

Critical economic, financial issues cannot be properly addressed with reduced allocation, says KBS Panel of Experts Committee member Datuk V. Radhakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Ministry Panel of Experts Committee member Datuk V. Radhakrishnan felt that the almost 70% reduction in monetary allocation for the sports industry announced during Budget 2022 could have been triggered by the no-gold tally at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking to The Vibes, Radhakrishnan was baffled by the RM289 million provision, saying that it proved to be a bit of a disappointment as it was not very sports-friendly.

“I’m surprised because I know Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz is an avid sportsman. I thought he might understand the industry better.

“(On the other hand) what is the message the government is trying to say (with the allocation)? Is it because we didn’t clinch the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?” Radhakrishnan said.

“If so, then this is a punishing budget. What is more, we have three main events coming up – SEA Games, Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games – followed by the 2024 Olympics.”

He added that it is important for national athletes to start training immediately. However, with the amount that has been allocated, it would be impossible to do so.

“I feel so bad for the National Sports Institute (ISN) because they have to prepare their athletes in terms of physical and mental exercises, rehabilitation, medical attention and so on.

“ISN also requires some budget for research and development, which is going to be affected. The same goes for their Podium Programme, if it is still going on,” he added.

“Everybody is figuring (things) out, while some are confused whether there will be a supplementary or ad-hoc budget.”

Radhakrishan was, nevertheless, very grateful that the government is giving para-athletes the recognition they so rightly deserve with an allocation of RM50 million.

“It is good they are getting this. I think it is a very good move because they deserve it,” he said.

Radhakrishnan is also president of the National Sports and Fitness Venue Owners and Operators Association (NSFVOOA).

He added that although the RM50 million allocated to Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) − to relieve the financial burden of entrepreneurs − is a little confusing for many, including fitness centre owners, it may not be sufficient.

“So, how is this going to help them? Is BSN going to offer another loan to cover the existing loan?” he asked.

“Is this for new entrepreneurs or existing ones?

“If the intention is to help existing entrepreneurs, then the RM50 million is not going to be enough, because Covid-19 has badly affected the industry and a lot of them are bleeding and suffering.”

During the tabling of Budget 2022, Zafrul announced that BSN intends to provide funding of up to RM50 million with zero percent interest for the first six months along with a six-month moratorium.

The government has also allocated RM159 million for building and upgrading sports facilities throughout the country, in which a huge portion of that budget will be steered towards the construction of a multi-sports stadium in Kelantan.

Radhakrishnan was concerned whether the stadium is going to be utilised or will it eventually be another white elephant.

“A lot of states, who have hosted SUKMA (Malaysia Games), have had to spend about RM100-200 million to upgrade their facilities, and to organise the Games.

“But after the Games are over, most of these venues are left empty and become white elephants. How do we ensure that this does not happen again?” Radhakrishnan added, voicing his opinion that responsible bodies need to look into the matter carefully.

It is also important to take note of how to best utilise each allocation to produce the desired outcome.

As for the RM50 million allocated towards the development and implementation of active lifestyle programmes, such as Fit Forever and National Sports Day, how will the government measure the tangible results from such events?

“These programmes are good for the rakyat, but we don’t want to just measure the impact (they have) on a particular day with hundreds of thousands of people participating in the event.

“(We need to ask) what are the long-term benefits from these types of programmes?” Radhakrishnan added.

He suggested that the government should involve other relevant stakeholders, including fitness centres and other related entities, to make these events and programmes more successful.

Radhakrishnan expressed that Budget 2022 for the sports and fitness industry is not an exciting budget.

He felt that a lot of economic and financial issues plaguing the industry, which stem from the fallout of the pandemic, have not been properly addressed. – The Vibes, November 2, 2021