Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s economic is so bad now even Lee Chong Wei is experiencing difficulty in finding sponsors? Well, The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) believe that BAM shuttlers have generally chosen to remain in the organization due to the current deterioration in economic conditions.
According BAM’s general manager Kenny Goh, the economy situation in Malaysia did put a temporary halt to athletes who have been toying with the idea of leaving BAM.
“Now is not the right time to leave BAM, from what I know, it’s going to be difficult for them to land sponsorships after their departure from the organization. Besides, BAM have made several positive moves to ensure the welfare of our shuttlers, including policy changes allowing shuttlers to find their own sponsors,” said Kenny.
Goh also emphasized that the former world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei is no exception to this issue either because of worsened economic conditions.
BAM have released a proposed new scheme last month to increase player’s incentive up to 25% of their current pay, depends on the player’s results and world rankings. Under that new scheme, players could make a monthly income ranging from RM 2,500 to RM 15,000.
The Malaysian ringgit has dropped to 4.2537 per dollar on Monday, its weakest since August 31, 1998.
