The national sports associations, clubs, and recreational activities in the country are set for a windfall of RM10mil, as the country tries to get the sports industry going again after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Youth and Sports Ministry has set aside the amount to help the associations and clubs get back on their feet after being hit by the pandemic and three-month layoff.

Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said RM2mil would be allocated for administrative grants ranging between RM5,000 and RM10,000 to almost 200 national sports bodies registered with the Sports Commissioner’s Office.

Another RM3mil was reserved to assist associations turn to digitalisation while RM5mil was for the organisation of activities and events which focus on development and promotion.

“The government understands that it needs to help boost sports and recreational activities, hence the allocation of RM10mil for this purpose, ” Reezal said in a video recording yesterday.

“The applicants need to fulfil guidelines in order to qualify for the funding and this will be made public. Approvals will solely be made on merit. We will also monitor the progress and implementation as per the grant approvals, ” he said.

The sports industry in the country came to a grinding halt following the movement control order (MCO) which started on March 18.

The government has moved to the recovery movement control order (RMCO) phase from June 10 to Aug 31, with certain leeway given to sporting activities to resume under strict standard operating procedures (SOP).

While the administrative grant was restricted to only national bodies, those at the district or club levels can receive funds from the other two sectors for their activities.

Reezal hoped that the stimulus package would help the sports associations to find innovations.

“The digitalisation aspect will help the bodies to build better websites or conduct seminars or courses online. I have noticed that many are still not able to comprehend the online method of sharing information. Hopefully, this grant will change the way things are done, ” said Reezal.