Cash rewards for athletes: Carefully examination still necessary, says minister

KUCHING (Aug 17): The incentive for Sarawak athletes who win gold medals in team events, as announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Friday, will be reviewed in more details.

In stating this, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Saarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pointed out that several aspects needed to be ‘carefully examined’ before a revised announcement could be made.

“One of the aspects that needs to be reconsidered is the maximum incentive amount, which is currently set at RM15,000 for both team and individual events.

“As we have seen, our taekwondo and wushu athletes have successfully secured three gold medals in the competitions over the past few days. This clearly demonstrates the strong spirit among our athletes,” he said in a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today.

Abang Johari made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the opening for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI)’s ‘Carnival in Sarawak 2024’ at Dataran Perayaan in Petra Jaya today.

Abdul Karim, also the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, added that further details about the cash incentives would be announced later.

“More information regarding the incentives will be provided before the end of Sukma, as it involves financial aspects that have been promised.

“This matter will also be discussed with the Sarawak Premier,” he said.

Additionally, Abdul Karim also said the Para Sukma athletes would receive the same incentive amount as that meant for the Sukma athletes, whether in team or individual events.

Meanwhile, the minister took the opportunity to visit several booths specially set up for the carnival.

With him were deputy minister Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Melaka State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Heritage, Arts, and Culture Datuk Wira Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee, and Special Duties Officer to the Sarawak Premier, Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais.