It is also open to considering the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation's request for an additional RM1 million in annual funding.
Its minister, Dr Taufiq Johari, said the 2026 allocation would cover athlete and coaching development, as well as the Road to Gold (RTG), Podium, Pelapis and grassroots talent development programmes.
“I have spoken to PABM president Ayub Rahmat and several weightlifting associations to discuss the matter (the RM1 million request) further.
“I understand that part of the request relates to coaching costs and salaries. We will hold detailed discussions before making a decision because, ultimately, we want to invest in sports with the potential to deliver Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal.
“And, Insya-Allah, weightlifting will remain one of the sports we prioritise for development. We will continue discussions to determine the details of the additional funding required,” he told reporters after welcoming home Malaysia’s Commonwealth Games contingent at KLIA last night.
He said that two weightlifters are currently part of the RTG programme, while eight athletes are under the Podium programme and another two are in the Pelapis programme.
He also pledged to look into the welfare of state-level coaches under the supervision of the National Sports Council to ensure the continued progress and performance of the sport.
“This is one of the measures that we need to implement immediately to find a solution. We see this sport as one with the potential to deliver major victories for Malaysia in the future, so the welfare of coaches must also be given due attention by the ministry and the associations,” he said.
Weightlifting emerged as Malaysia’s standout sport at the Commonwealth Games, contributing five gold medals, one silver and one bronze to help the national contingent surpass its initial target with an overall haul of eight gold medals, three silver and five bronze. - FMT
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