Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has allocated RM1 million to the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) to support former athletes registered under the foundation this year. Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari highlighted that the ministry had reviewed the foundation's requirements before channeling the funds to ensure the continued welfare of the nation's former sporting heroes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister emphasized that KBS would continue to monitor further needs and is prepared to increase the allocation if necessary to ensure all former athletes in need are reached. "We are constantly discussing and reviewing all requirements to provide contributions and safeguard the welfare of athletes. This is why the government has allocated RM1 million for YAKEB," he stated. He also urged corporate figures and the private sector to join this effort, assuring that KBS will continue to engage with YAKEB to ensure the smooth operation of the foundation.

Meanwhile, YAKEB chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail expressed that the current financial allocation is sufficient to cover the foundation's immediate expenditure. "Alhamdulillah, we have received RM1 million from the government to manage the distribution of aid and existing incentives under the YAKEB scheme," he noted. He added that collaboration with the private sector would be sought to cover other expenses should the need arise.

During the Projek Ramadan 2026 event held at the Rakan Muda Complex Hall in Bukit Kiara, YAKEB presented contributions in the form of cash and essential items to 50 former athletes.