KUCHING: Sarawak’s athletes who excelled at the recently concluded 21st Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) have been granted RM2.256 million in cash incentives.
The Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg handed the symbolic cheque to the Sarawak teams during a ceremony at the Imperial Hotel yesterday.
In his address, Abang Johari extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Sarawak team for their remarkable performance, securing 82 gold medals for the host state and reclaiming the Para SUKMA championship title.
“I congratulate Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development) and her team, particularly the trainers and athletes, for their dedication,” he stated.
Abang Johari reiterated the Sarawak government’s commitment to supporting sports development.
“We have sent our athletes, both from SUKMA and Para SUKMA, overseas for training to showcase the best from Sarawak. As a government, we stand prepared to offer any necessary support, be it moral or financial, to foster sports development,” he affirmed.
Consequently, the Sarawak government provides substantial incentives to successful athletes in the Games, with RM2.256 million allocated for Para SUKMA medalists and RM1.834 million for SUKMA medalists, totalling more than RM4 million.
“This year, we offer significant incentives to Para SUKMA athletes due to our numerous gold, silver, and bronze medal wins. The total incentives provided by the Sarawak government amount to RM2.256 million, which also cover team events for which we also offer incentives,” he elaborated.
He proudly announced that Sarawak emerged as champions in both SUKMA and Para SUKMA this year, a remarkable feat achieved by Sarawakian athletes.
“Looking forward, preparations need to be made for the 2026 SUKMA in Selangor, as well as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and Para SEA Games in 2027,” he mentioned, noting Sarawak’s role as a co-host for the SEA Games.
He hoped Sarawak would continue progressing, generating higher revenues to enhance its sports sector further.
“I commend all the SUKMA and Para SUKMA athletes who made Sarawak the champion in this year’s Games. Let us continue to raise Sarawak’s flag high in Selangor for the 2026 SUKMA,” he encouraged.
At this year’s Para SUKMA, Sarawak secured 82 gold, 53 silver, and 74 bronze medals.
Additionally, a reward of RM500,000 was presented to Paralympic champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin for his exceptional success in defending his gold medal and setting a new world record at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
