She said these are among the 103 types of sports gazetted under the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576).

Yeoh also said tax relief will be provided for the purchase of sports equipment for activities listed in Act 576 as well as registration fees for sports competitions, including running.

“Gym membership and sports training fees are new inclusions in the tax relief. This means that when they make tax relief claims next year, they can include payment receipts. They can claim up to RM1,000.

“These are among the 103 types of sports gazetted under Act 576. The list of sports will be displayed on the ministry’s website soon,” she told reporters here today.

Yeoh said the tax relief applies to expenses for oneself, spouse or child.

“Parents who send their children to participate in tournaments can also enjoy this incentive,” she said.

The tax relief is subject to several criteria, namely sports training must be conducted by a coach, club, or company registered with the sports commissioner or incorporated under the Companies Act 2016; one-off or series of training sessions; and types of sports listed under the First Schedule of Act 576.

Expenses must be proven with payment receipts.

“The public is advised to check first to ensure that the training providers comply with the conditions and criteria set in order for them to be eligible for this tax relief,” she said.

To date, a total of 9,955 sports entities have registered with the sports commissioner, and the number is expected to increase with about 100 applications a week.