The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has announced a strict new policy requiring national shuttlers to pay substantial compensation if they leave to become independent players before their contracts expire. Under these new measures, players could be forced to pay between RM300,000 and RM500,000, depending on their world ranking. This move is designed to curb the trend of "free exits" and ensure the association is fairly compensated for its investment in player development. 

BAM President Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz emphasized that while the proposal will be officially tabled at a council meeting in May, the principle of compensation is already rooted in fairness and existing contract clauses. Alternatively, the association may exercise its right to refuse to register departing players for international tournaments for up to two years. This tougher stance follows several high-profile departures that have thinned the national team's depth. 

Despite the crackdown on early exits, BAM is also looking to improve welfare for its younger athletes. The association plans to increase the monthly allowances for junior players from the current range of RM400–RM600 to a flat rate of RM1,000. This increase aims to provide better financial support for the next generation of talent as they transition into the senior ranks.