KUCHING, Sarawak has disbursed over RM4 million in incentives to the state’s athletes who won medals in the 2024 Malaysian Games (SUKMA) and Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA) held in the state recently.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the highest incentive was paid out for Para SUKMA athletes, RM2.26 million, while incentives for SUKMA athletes amounted to RM1.84 million.
“Congratulations and well done to all SUKMA athletes and Para SUKMA athletes who have raised the name of Sarawak as a state that excels in sports.
“Pray that Sarawak will continue to progress and have more income, that we can (use to) develop the sports sector in this state,” he said in his speech at the Sarawak Contingent Incentive Presentation Ceremony for Para SUKMA athletes here today.
Abang Johari said he also wanted Sarawak to continue progressing in sports development by drawing inspiration from New Zealand as an example because of the nation’s sporting greatness.
“We are champions for both SUKMA and Para SUKM
A. This is an excellent record by athletes from Sarawak. We set our benchmark very high. Of course we will train for SUKMA 2026 in Selangor later, we will also train for the Sea Games and Para ASEAN in 2027 as co-organisers,” he said.
Sarawak, as the host, emerged as the overall champion in the 21st edition of SUKMA, the biggest multi-sport event in the country, garnering 76 gold, 55 silver, and 70 bronze medals, while 82 gold, 51 silver, and 72 bronze medals were won at the Para SUKMA games.
At the ceremony, Abang Johari also presented an incentive of RM500,000 to national powerlifting athlete Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for successfully defending his gold medal and breaking the world record at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
