RM15 Million allocation to strengthen Harimau Malaya team

KUALA LUMPUR:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an allocation of RM15 million to strengthen the national football team, Harimau Malaya.

According to Berita Harian, he stated that RM10 million of the allocation comes from the government, while the remaining RM5 million is a commitment from private companies specifically for the welfare, training, and management of the team.

“Today, considering the numerous issues and the interest in football, especially among the youth, I have decided to personally monitor and support the strengthening of the Harimau Malaya team in Malaysia.

“The RM15 million is dedicated to Harimau Malaya, its manager, and the best coaches, so that in a few years, we can elevate Harimau Malaya to be among the giants in Asia,” he said.

He made this statement during his speech at the Ministry of Finance’s Monthly Assembly today.

Harimau Malaya will face the Philippines in their first match of the Pestabola Merdeka 2024 at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, this Wednesday.

If they succeed against the Philippines, Harimau Malaya will compete against either the defending champions Tajikistan or Lebanon in the final, which will be held this Sunday.

For the record, Tajikistan won the Pestabola Merdeka 2023 after defeating Malaysia 2-0 in the final on October 17 of last year.