ISKANDAR PUTERI: More than RM1mil has been handed out by the Johor state government to more than 300 athletes and coaches from the state contingent for their recent success at the 20th edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that the athletes had made history by coming out on top for the first time in the sporting event’s 36-year history by bagging 77 gold, 52 silver and 43 bronze medals at the Games, which ran from Sept 16 until 24 in Kuala Lumpur.
"This is part of our promise to our athletes that we will give them recognition and rewards for bringing the state’s name to greater heights.
"I know it’s not much, but I hope that this will continue to encourage our future athletes in the coming Sukma 2024," he said during a speech at the Johor Sukma Contingent Incentive Handout Ceremony at Sunway Big Box, here on Saturday (Oct 15).
On the programme, a total of RM1,353,300 worth of incentives were given away to 242 athletes and 120 coaches and officers from the Johor Sukma Contingent.
"The other states that have previously won the Sukma have started to take our athletes seriously, and this means that we will need to work extra hard for Sukma 2024 to ensure that Johor remains on top," Onn Hafiz added.
The Johor State Government has given an additional RM2,000 to athletes that have managed to bring in gold medals.
The total incentive given is RM5,000 for the individual category (1-2 people), RM4,000 for the team category (3-6 people), and RM3,500 for the team category (more than 7 people).
Johor rower Mohd Fakhrullah Mohd Rumaize, 21, who was named the best Sportsman after winning nine golds in the canoe events received a total of RM44,500 worth of incentives.
He was followed by Farah Zulaika Tokiman, 23, who also won nine gold medals, two silver and a bronze medal with RM40,500 and swimmer Tan Rou Xin, 16, who is also the best Sportswoman, who won six gold medals and received RM33,000.
More to come
