Sarawak awards RM1.834 mln to Sukma medallists

KUCHING (Sept 15): A total of RM1.834 million in cash incentives has been distributed to the Sarawak medallists from the recent 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma), where the state was crowned the overall champion after 30 years.

The mock cheque presentation to all the Sarawak teams was held during an appreciation dinner at a local hotel last night, which was graced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In his officiating speech, Abang Johari said the feat achieved by the Sarawak contingent in the 21st Sukma has showcased the state’s high standards in the quest to be a sport powerhouse in the country.

“I hope that we can be successful in the next Sukma competitions in Selangor (in 2026) and to be able to retain the championship,” he added.

Looking ahead, Abang Johari mentioned the possibility that Sarawak will host a majority of the 36 sporting events in the upcoming Southeast Asia Games (SEA) in 2027, and the state needs to start preparing the necessary sports facilities and infrastructure to be of international standards.

“The costs of organising the SEA Games are very high, but the sake of developing our youth, I am willing for Sarawak to be the co-host of the regional competitions. This would also allow Sarawak to be recognised by other countries.”

Sarawak will be footing half of the total organisation costs of the SEA Games, estimated at RM700 million, while both Sabah and Penang are also the co-host for the biennial regional sports competitions.

Abang Johari voiced his confidence in the potential of the state’s athletes to compete at the highest level and not be regarded as merely as a ‘champion of a village’.

He congratulated all the Sarawak athletes, parents, coaches, tournament officials and enforcement agencies for ensuring the national competitions concluded without major incidents.

He also wished the best of luck to all the state athletes for the upcoming week-long Para Sukma 2024, scheduled to be held in Kuching from Sept 22 to 28, with a target of 83 golds set for the state contingent in the competitions.

Among those present were Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Ministers Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu and Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and the 21st Sukma Sarawak chief executive officer Datu Hii Chang Kee.