In a message to the press, its minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the ministry was ready to assist them, just as how it had in the previous world championships.

“I have spoken to the ministry’s secretary-general who has assured me on this,” said Syed Saddiq.

Earlier today, Says.com reported that the team chosen by the Malaysian Association of Powerlifting (MAP) to represent the country in Kazakhstan may have to pull out because of financial difficulties.

The three athletes chosen by MAP are Kenneth Kaden Chin, Kelvin Yeoh and Liew Ashton, all of whom have won gold medals in international competitions.

In the report, Chin had said that MAP directors had submitted “countless” budget proposals to the government to help fund their expenses but had yet to receive any positive news.

The team has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise some RM18,000 to cover their travelling expenses.

“We have worked very hard to qualify for this tournament. It would be amazing if we get to raise our national flag on the podium while Negaraku plays in the background,” said Chin.