PSM Working On Opening Dedicated Bank Account

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) is in the process of opening a dedicated bank account as requested by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) to receive government funding.

Its president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said PSM welcomes the initiative introduced by KBS, as it will help them to manage government funds better.

“Opening a dedicated bank account is a good move because it allows the association to manage the funds by ourselves. However, the association needs to know the exact budget required.

“Previously, the funds were managed by the National Sports Council (MSN), so this is a good proposal. We are 100 per cent in agreement,” he said at a press conference after a PSM supreme committee meeting here today.

Recently, Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh said several sports associations were reluctant to open a dedicated bank account as requested by the ministry, a primary condition to receive government funding.

Mohd Sumali said he would discuss the matter at an MSN working committee meeting soon to determine the amount of funding needed by PSM in detail.

At the same time, Mohd Sumali said the association plans to undertake a major revamp of the national women’s squad, including holding tryouts to ensure only truly qualified players represent the team at the international level.

He pointed out that some players excel at the district level but miss out on representing the national team due to family commitments or difficulty getting leave from their employers.

“This is among the issues we need to address. Sometimes talented players can’t join due to family or work obligations,” he said.

Meanwhile, he announced that PSM will host the Tun Ali Cup in Melaka from Dec 2 to 8, with 20 teams from states and clubs participating.

He added that they have also increased the prize money, raising the amount for the team event from RM10,000 to RM15,000, and for the doubles event from RM8,000 to RM10,000.

-- BERNAMA