Sarawak sets precedent by rewarding all SOPMA medallists with RM399k

Fatimah (back row, seventh from left) with other dignitaries and SOPMA incentive recipients during the presentation ceremony on Feb 21, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak has set a precedent in Malaysia by providing special incentive payments to all medal winners from every state contingent at the 22nd Malaysian Deaf Sports Games (SOPMA) 2025, with a total allocation of RM399,000.

Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the incentive distribution involved all 14 participating states, with Sarawak securing RM60,000 after its contingent won 20 medals — nine gold, four silver and seven bronze — and retained its position as overall runner-up.

“When I asked the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, about the incentives, he asked me to calculate the amount. After working out the figures, he said, ‘Give it to everyone,’ in the spirit of inclusivity.

“Alhamdulillah, this is a record and a historic milestone in the giving of incentives to our SOPMA athletes,” she said during the Incentive Presentation Ceremony for winners of the 22nd SOPMA yesterday (Feb 21).

Fatimah noted that the incentive scheme was coordinated with the federal Sports Victory Prize Scheme (SHAKAM), whereby athletes first receive federal incentives before being given state-level rewards based on an established formula.

According to Fatimah, the incentives would also be extended to Sarawak athletes who represented Malaysia at international competitions, including the recently-concluded 13th ASEAN Para Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand, as well as those who qualified for the Deaflympics.

“Later, Matthew Chin (Special Needs (OKU) sports development officer) and I will calculate the amounts, and we will submit them to the Premier again for approval,” she added.

Looking ahead, Fatimah urged athletes, coaches and sports associations to begin preparations for SOPMA 2027 in Selangor, expressing confidence that Sarawak could improve on its runner-up finish.

“Our athletes progressed from fourth to third, then second in SOPMA last year. Logically, the next target must be champion in 2027.

“With discipline, commitment and support from coaches, parents and the State government, I believe Sarawak can achieve that,” she stressed. – DayakDaily