Equal medal incentives for Sukma, Para Sukma athletes expected before year-end

One of Sarawak squads cheering and waiving the Ibu Pertiwi flags in the air. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 20: Sarawak athletes who won gold medals at the recent Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma will each receive RM15,000, while silver medallists will get RM5,000 and bronze medallists RM3,000.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the incentive rates would remain the same as those offered when Sarawak last hosted the Games.

He said the incentives were expected to be disbursed before the end of the year, preferably in November.

“I hope it can be dished out before the end of the year. If possible, November, because we have reached the end of October,” he told a press conference after his ministerial winding-up at the State Legislative Assembly (DUNS) sitting today.

Abdul Karim said the incentive structure for team events would follow a separate calculation formula, similar to the one used during the previous Games hosted by Sarawak.

“Athletes who broke records would also receive additional incentives,” he added.

The overall incentive payout was estimated to exceed RM1 million.

Abdul Karim also confirmed that Para Sukma athletes would receive the same incentive rates as their counterparts in the regular Sukma.

He said he had agreed on the matter with Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

“As for Para Sukma athletes, I don’t mind speaking up, as I’ve already agreed with Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah that the incentives for Para Sukma and the normal Sukma will be the same,” he said.

At Sukma Selangor 2026, held from Aug 15 to 24, Sarawak secured 41 gold, 40 silver and 62 bronze medals to finish fourth overall.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat were present. — DayakDaily