Sarawak commits over RM1 mln in incentives for Para Sukma XXI athletes, targets 83 gold medals

KUCHING (Sept 11): The Sarawak government is ready to allocate more than RM1 million of incentives if the state’s para athletes succeed in achieving the target of 83 gold medals in the 21st Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma XXI) Sarawak 2024, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He pointed out that Sarawak’s Para Sukma athletes will receive equal incentives with the Sukma XXI athletes.

“As with Sukma athletes, we will give RM15,000 for a gold medal, RM5,000 for a silver medal, and RM3,000 for a bronze medal (to Para Sukma athletes). For team events, there will also be additional incentives.

“So for Para Sukma, we are targeting 83 gold medals, and if you multiply that by RM15,000, the total exceeds RM1 million.

“Don’t worry, I will provide it. What’s important is that we see our flag raised on the podium.

“I believe our state athletes are highly disciplined, and because of that, I am confident they can achieve the target of 83 gold medals in this Para Sukma,” said Abang Johari.

He was speaking during the state flag handover ceremony to the Sarawak 21st Para Sukma contingent here today.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Sarawak Para Sukma Chef de Mission Datuk Mohd Razi Sitam.

Abang Johari said he believes that Sarawak athletes, including para athletes, can demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship through the spirit they display.

“That is why the government under my leadership focuses on sports development, not just on building roads and bridges to boost the economy but also emphasising sports.

“This is because sports play an important role in contributing disciplined individuals to Sarawak as we continue developing the state,” he said.

He also advised the para athletes to collaborate with their peers from other states during the Para Sukma, which will take place from Sept 22 to 28, with 328 medals up for grabs across 10 sports held at 10 selected venues in Kuching.

“Of course, I want to hear the state anthem ‘Ibu Pertiwiku’ being played, which will surely be a source of pride for us in the Land of the Hornbills.

“I believe the future of sports is bright, and the government is currently investing significantly in sports, including in terms of sports facilities,” he said.

He said that the Sarawak government is working on developing a sports village similar to those in New Zealand, equipped with adequate facilities.

This initiative is part of the state’s preparations to co-host the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027, where Sarawak has been given the mandate to be the venue for the opening ceremony of the event.

He noted that he would review how the preparations for the opening ceremony are progressing by discussing with Abdul Karim.