Abd Karim: Cash incentives for S’wak’s Sukma team event medalists to be discussed in Cabinet meeting tomorrow

KUCHING (Aug 21): The cash incentives for Sarawakian medalists in team events in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) is expected to be different from those for individual events, said Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the matter will be discussed in detail in tomorrow’s (Aug 22) state Cabinet meeting to refine the amount of cash incentives for medals in team events.

“It has yet to be refined. Previously, what the individual receives (in terms of cash incentive), that will also be the amount received by those in groups (and teams). That was before, but things might change.

“We have a Cabinet meeting tomorrow (Aug 22). It will be discussed in the Cabinet, I will definitely get the Cabinet to deliberate on that,” he told reporters after a prize presentation ceremony at Sarawak Squash Centre today.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Aug 16 had announced cash incentives of RM15,000 for each gold medal won in the Sukma XXI.

Abang Johari had also revealed incentives of RM5,000 for each silver medal, and RM3,000 for each bronze medal.

On a related matter, Abdul Karim believed Sarawak is on track to be the overall champion of Sukma XXI based on current medal standings.

“Whether we achieve the target of 70 gold medals or not, that is immaterial. But personally I feel, we will be able to hit the 70 (gold medals) figure, looking at it unless the other state contingents are able to rope in all the balance of gold medals though not possible actually.

“If the balance of gold medals is spread out, then we will be quite safe,” he said.