Kuala Lumpur: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has expressed concern over the increasing instances of former national athletes being “lured” to offer their services in other countries. Although disappointed with the situation, she did not rule out the possibility that this could be due to the failure to fully implement attractive salary schemes for coaches, adding that there is a need for support from corporate firms to further improve offers for coaching athletes in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, former national diver Wendy Ng Yan Yee began a new chapter in her career after being appointed as a talent development coach under Singapore Aquatics for their diving team. Hannah expressed sadness over Wendy’s departure from the Federal Territories as a coach, noting that many other former gymnasts have also left for Singapore, lured by more attractive currency exchange rates.

Hannah emphasized that while it is important for former athletes to gain experience abroad, Malaysia needs to focus on making its salary schemes more attractive to retain talent. She was speaking at a ceremony for the handover of upgraded basketball court facilities in Bukit Maluri.

Hannah warned that the situation is worrying and could impact the competitiveness of Malaysia’s sports industry if not addressed. She cited the example of squash, where China is making significant efforts to excel, resulting in former national squash player Ong Beng Hee moving there. She urged existing coaches to remain in Malaysia and highlighted the need for investment in sports, seeking assistance from corporate firms.

The exodus of talent is not limited to diving, as several former athletes, including former shuttlers Wong Choong Han, Tan Bin Shen, and Jeremy Gan, have also left to pursue coaching opportunities abroad.