Sabah athletes receive RM2.19 mln incentives

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 29): Sabah athletes who made the state proud in the XXI Malaysian Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma held in Sarawak recently, were rewarded with RM2.19 million in incentives from the State Government in a ceremony here on Tuesday.

The Sukma team for the Sepak Takraw category was presented with RM141,600, followed by teams in the categories of athletics with RM97,000; Muay Thai (RM83,900); Sailing (RM77,500); Pencak Silat (RM73,500), Karate (RM61,500); Wushu (RM46,500); Lawn Bowls (RM43,000); Swimming (RM39,500); Boxing (RM39,000); Football (RM39,000); Petanque (RM31,000); Weightlifting (RM27,000); Gymnastics (RM25,000); Squash (RM19,500); Cycling (RM16,500); Taekwondo (RM14,000); Silambam (RM10,500); Archery (RM9,000); Judo (RM9,000) and Shooting (RM7,000).

The Para Sukma team for the Athletics category was rewarded with close to RM600,000, followed by teams in the categories of Swimming (RM304,000), Ping Pong (RM99,000); Archery (RM46,000); Tenpin Bowling (RM32,000); Badminton (RM25,500); Lawn Bowls (RM18,000); Boccia (RM12,000) and Powerlifting (RM12,000).

National runner Eddy Bernard who took home a bronze medal in the 100-metre event at the Paralympics Games Paris 2024, was also rewarded with RM50,000.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who presented the incentives, also announced an incentive of RM245,000 to Sabah’s Sukma’s team managers and coaches as well as RM250,000 to the coaches and managers of the Para Sukma teams.

Hajiji stressed that all their sacrifices in time and energy to care for the welfare of the state’s athletes for almost two years before Sukma and Para Sukma will not go unforgotten.

“I also congratulate our swimmer, Shahafiq Abdullah, who comes from the Sandakan district, for being selected as Para Sukma’s Best Male Athlete 2024, after bringing home four gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal.

“What makes his achievement prouder is that not only did he win four gold medals, he also set a new national record in the process. With that, Shahafiq will receive an additional RM10,000 incentive,” he said at the ceremony.

His text speech was read by State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister hoped that all the plans that have been, are being and will be implemented by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) run smoothly, especially in the development of sports and youth in the state.

“Last September, I had an official visit to the KBS Sabah office at Wisma MUIS, and I was briefed on the ministry’s efforts to continue to advance the aspect of sports and youth in the state,” he said.

He assured that the State Government will continue to allocate large and consistent expenses to ensure more sports and youth activities are carried out.

“We will also continue to provide modern infrastructure and technology from time to time to meet the needs of athletes and youth to train or work with more efficiency,” he said.

Accordingly, he called on all parties involved in the development of sports including coaches, managers and athletes to always take advantage of all the facilities provided to improve their achievement in their respective sports fields.

“Each success we achieve is not the end of our struggle. On the contrary, it is the starting point for us to achieve more much successes in the future.

“I want to stress that sports is not just about medals and victories, it also gives birth to perseverance, cooperation and integrity.

“These are the values that should be embedded in athletes. I hope that all parties will continue to dignify sports in this state, thus marking the name of the state and country in the international stage,” he said.

Sabah had clinched 29 gold medals, 36 silver medals and 55 bronze medals in Sukma, and its Para Sukma athletes took home 62 gold medals, 42 silver medals and 32 bronze medals.

Also present were Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.