Although a considerable amount of research has contributed to our understanding of the underlying causes of sporting behaviour, there is a paucity of research examining the motivations and barriers in sport and physical activity participation among young Malaysians. In order to address the gap in the literature, thus, this study was designed to ascertain the motivations and barriers in sport or physical activity participation among young Malaysians across the country. The study included 2894 young Malaysians ranged in age from 15 to 30 years old. A cross-sectional survey questionnaires comprised of open and close-ended items pertaining to sport participation level, participation motivations and barriers, and socio-demographic characteristics were conducted. The results show that 1465 were active, 710 were less active and 719 were inactive in sport and physical activity participation. In terms of their motives and barriers to sport and physical activity participation, the results indicate that the common motives for participation included ‘physical fitness’, ‘improve health’, ‘reduce stress’, ‘leisure time’ and ‘active lifestyle’. On the other hand, common barriers for those who do not participate in sport and physical activity included ‘no time’, ‘no interest’, ‘weather’, ‘health reasons’, and ‘lack of facilities’. Thus, the sport organization management needs to understand the motives and barriers to sport and physical activity of young Malaysians participation in order to optimize throughout their sporting endeavor and exercise adherence.