Better incentive for Sabah gold medal winners

KUCHING (Aug 17): The State Government announced an improved incentive for Sabah gold medal winners in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said a total of RM10,000 will be awarded to gold winners in individual sports, which is RM5,000 more than previously awarded.

“It is hoped that this announcement will spur on our athletes to give their utmost best in winning gold.

“The (Youth and Sports) ministry target is 40 golds and hopefully we will be able to achieve it,” Hajiji said.

He said this shortly after his arrival from Kota Kinabalu on Saturday where he also met with the state Wushu squad that contributed three golds and one silver to the state contingent.

State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin and Assistant Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan, Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Safar Untong, Sabah Sukma chef-de-mission Datuk Mansur Asun were also present.

Hajiji went on to say that the amount for silver and bronze medal winners will be announced later.
It is also learnt that the cash incentive for team sports will be reviewed.

“The State Government will wait for recommendations from the ministry after the conclusion of Sukma,” added Hajiji.

Towards this end, he advised the athletes to compete with high sportsmanship and maintain self-disipline for the good name of Sabah.