Premier delivers on RM1.8 mln payout for SUKMA medallists

KUCHING: Sarawak’s triumph at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024, crowned by an overall championship win, has been hailed as the product of relentless dedication from its athletes, coaches, and support teams.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg paid tribute to the outstanding performances that brought home 76 gold medals, thus attributing Sarawak’s dominant showing to the athletes’ extraordinary commitment.

“You are the stars and our pride. Thank you for training hard, sacrificing time and energy to represent Sarawak with pride.

“I also thank the parents and families for their unwavering support to the athletes throughout the Games.

“Whenever one wins, the parents or families would jump and cheer for them just as the fans would. It is not just family bonding; it is the whole of Sarawak bonding,” he said during the Sarawak SUKMA 2024 Contingent incentive presentation at Riverside Majestic Hotel last night (Sept 14).

In recognition of the athletes’ hard work, Abang Johari fulfilled his promise of substantial rewards, announcing a total incentive payout of RM1,834,000 for the Sarawak SUKMA 2024 Contingent.

Meanwhile, on Para SUKMA 2024 that will be held from Sept 22 to 28, the premier has expressed his high hopes for Sarawak to win the overall championship.

To further inspire the para athletes, he announced that the incentive amount received by Para SUKMA medallists would be the same as that awarded to SUKMA athletes.

“We are providing these incentives as part of our development efforts for athletes, whether they are athletes with disabilities or able-bodied athletes,” he said.

During the Sarawak SUKMA 2024 Contingent incentive presentation, swimming star Kelly Teo Yao emerged as the top athlete who received the highest incentive award with RM96,000 for her remarkable haul of six gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Also receiving the highest incentive awards are shot putter Jonah Chang Rigan receiving RM47,000 for winning three golds and setting a national record in athletics; Stephanie Ngu Chai Ern earning RM45,000 for her three golds in wushu; bowler Nur Hazirah Ramli with RM36,000 for four golds and one bronze; and diver Dayang Nursharzyra Awang Nasarudin with RM35,000 for three golds and one silver in aquatic diving.

In addition, Sarawak’s top-performing teams during the Games were also recognized. The taekwondo team earned the most with RM197,000 for securing 11 gold, four silver, and four bronze medals.

Followed by the swimming team with RM166,000 for snatching nine golds, one silver and seven bronzes; diving team earning RM156,000 with nine golds, three silvers and two bronzes; and the athletics team bagging RM128,000 for winning five golds, four silvers and 10 bronzes.

Abang Johari presents the highest incentive award of RM96,000 to swimming star Kelly Teo Yao.

Abang Johari presents the second highest incentive award of RM46,000 to shot putter Jonah Chang Rigan.

Premier (centre) along with other dignitaries in a group photo with Sarawak’s taekwondo team that earned the most incentive award with RM197,000 after securing 11 gold, four silver, and four bronze medals.