Kuala lumpur: The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) will take legal action against a national para athlete who accused the organisation of being a scam after it allegedly failed to keep its promises regarding rewards for those who won medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin stated that the accusation had tarnished the reputation of the council and its sponsors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Megat D. Shahriman referred to the allegation as an act of slander and irresponsible behavior. He suggested that such actions could lead sponsors or companies to seek legal advice to protect their credibility, as well as that of the PCM. Legal consultations are underway to determine the next steps, and PCM may suspend the athlete from future participation.

In a social media post last week, a national para athlete expressed dissatisfaction with PCM for not delivering a promised reward of RM60,000 after winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Megat D. Shahriman had previously announced that a gold medallist would receive a cash reward of RM60,000, intended to motivate national athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The PCM president indicated that the council would also address the actions of other para athletes who shared the post. He highlighted that one sponsor, Zero Healthcare, had already provided massage chairs valued at over RM30,000 each to 30 para athletes and additional cash rewards to medalists. Another sponsor, B. Grimm Power Sdn Bhd, contributed RM88,000 towards the athletes.

Malaysia concluded its 2024 Paris Paralympic campaign with notable achievements, including two gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze in various sports categories.