By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 16: Sarawak will award cash incentives of up to RM15,000 to her athletes who win gold, silver and bronze medals at the Malaysian Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma 2024.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said each gold medal won by an athlete will net them a cash incentive of RM15,000, followed by RM5,000 for silver, and RM3,000 for bronze.
“Hopefully, they will receive as many medals as possible.
“These incentives are to inject encouragement and support for the athletes to pursue a career in sports.
“When they reach a higher level up to the international stage, they will bring the Sarawak’s image like their predecessors namely Dato Pandelela Rinong Pamg, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and others,” he said during a press conference held after the medal presentation ceremony for the taekwondo event at Indoor Stadium, Petra Jaya here today.
Abang Johari also hoped that Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s target to achieve 70 gold medals in Sukma 2024 could be fulfilled.
“At the moment, we are at the top of the table with seven gold medals, four silver and five bronze, making up a total of 16 medals.
“I hope we can maintain our position until the end of Sukma,” he added.
Responding to a reporter’s query, Abang Johari explained that the Sarawak government has set aside an allocation for the cash incentives based on Sarawak’s estimation on winning the gold medals.
“Abdul Karim has targeted for 70 gold medals and we have a budget for the cash incentives, insya-Allah.
“Since Sarawak have some income, why not give them to our athletes?” he emphasised.
He also called on public and private companies to come up with incentives to reward athletes. — DayakDaily
