He said the additional funding will come from contributions from the private sector.

Anwar said the increased allocation reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening the national team and positioning Malaysia as a football powerhouse in Asia.

“These funds will be used to enhance development programmes at all levels and prepare our national team to be more competitive in international tournaments,” he said in a statement.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the allocation will also benefit the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), particularly in overhauling its organisational structure to provide consistent support to the national players through its coaches and technical staff.

He said there will also be greater efforts to nurture new talent in the sport by providing extensive exposure to Malaysia’s Under-23 squad, to a continuous supply of experienced players to Harimau Malaya.

Anwar said he hoped the regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, will continue to lend his support to Malaysian football, describing his “vast experience, achievements, and network” as invaluable assets for the national team.