National athletes can contribute to EPF, Socso from next year

PARLIAMENT | National athletes will get to make contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and Social Security Organisation (Socso) starting from January next year.

According to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the scheme will come into effect under the “Podium” programme, as a means to protect the welfare of national athletes.

"The management of the National Sports Council (MSN) recently approved a review of the allowance scheme for national athletes, after taking into account their wellbeing.

“MSN is examining the implementation of EPF and Socso contributions for all national athletes under the 'Podium' scheme, from January 2024. This is a game changer for our athletes, as it had never been done before,” Yeoh told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Yeoh (Harapan-Segambut) was debating the Budget 2024 Bill at the committee stage in regard to the Youth and Sports Ministry.

She was answering a question by Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang), who had asked about the allowance for rugby players, which he said was much lower than other athletes, particularly footballers.

Elaborating on this, Yeoh said the allowance for athletes is based on their achievements in regional and international sporting events, such as the SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics.

On another matter, Yeoh said the newest iteration of the Rakan Muda programme next year will give basic exposure regarding politics to youths,

According to her, this will help youths gain a better understanding of matters such as the process of choosing MPs and state assemblypersons, among others.

“Some (youths) are already in their adulthood, but they don't know the difference between an MP and assemblyperson,” Yeoh pointed out.

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