KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 ― Full-time and part-time local coaches under the National Sports Council (NSC) programme are set to enjoy a new salary and allowance scheme that offers between 30 to 50 per cent pay rise.

The proposal for new salary and allowance for new appointments and those already serving was approved by the NSC Board yesterday, after taking into account that their salary had not been revised since the National Coaches Employment Scheme was approved in June 2006.

The scheme was enforceable in March, involving 192 full-time and part-time coaches, who are currently serving under the programme.   

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in a media statement today said the NSC Board deemed that it was high time the coaches were recognised for their sacrifices, dedication and sincerity based on their National Coaching Certification Scheme levels.

“It is also an incentive to local coaches to continue their noble efforts other than attracting more former athletes or sport activists to venture into coaching.

“Based on this new salary scheme, coaching in Malaysia is now a career which can guarantee a bright future for coaches,” he said.

According to Khairy, the NSC was asked to evaluate the existing salary scheme of local coaches in December last year before it was submitted and approved at the NSC Board of Directors meeting.

Under the new salary scheme, coaches with Level 3 SPKK would receive the highest remuneration, namely, a salary hike of up to 50 per cent compared to the current pay.

“Local coaches with Level 3 SPKK are regarded as on par with overseas coaches who are now serving under the NSC programme,” he said.

He also hoped with the new salary, national sports associations would churn out more Level 3 SPKK coaches to reduce the country's dependence on foreign coaches in the future.

The salary scheme which was approved today involved all levels of full time coaches, starting from RM1,900 to RM4,500 a month. ― Bernama