Rural and Regional Development Minister Seri Ismail Yaakob has admitted that federal agency Mara has been affected by the sponsorship provided by two of its subsidiaries to Kelantan football team The Red Warriors (TRW).

The New Straits Times reported Ismail saying: "The effect is on Mara as the two sponsors (Pelaburan Mara Bhd and UniKL) are wholly-owned subsidiaries.

"How much was given and when it started have yet to be established. I am still waiting for the complete report from the officers," Ismail is quoted saying.

"As I have said before and pending the issuance of the complete report, each sponsorship must be temporarily halted."

Ismail was commenting on his recent instruction for the two subsidiaries to suspend all forms of sponsorship, except education-related ones, from being given out this year.

Mara falls under Ismail's ministry.

The decision was made following Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's revelation that Mara chairperson Annuar Musa had used his positions in Mara and UniKL to secure sponsorships for TRW.

Tunku Ismail also revealed several documents detailing the said transactions and questioned if the sponsorship was the reason why UniKL was forced to reduce scholarship for its students by RM700 million last year.

Annuar, who is also former Kelantan Football Association (Kafa) president, has denied the allegations.

He has since said Mara would adhere to Ismail's instruction and would provide a full report on the matter.