KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government, via its Youth and Sports Ministry, will implement an Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution programme for Sabahan athletes starting next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiative was for those active and serious in the sports arena.
"Starting 2023, all athletes representing Sabah to Sukma and Para Sukma will receive a monthly EPF contribution of RM50 funded by the state government.
"I hope it will become a starting ground for the state athletes to train more seriously and make sports as a career that can be developed in future.
"This programme will also ensure continuity of EPF contribution once our athletes move into the working world," he said during a winner's incentive presentation ceremony for Sabahan athletes on Thursday (Oct 27).
Hajiji's speech was delivered by state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin.
Hajiji also said that Sabah government would continue to provide significant and consistent allocations to promote sports activities besides providing the infrastructure and modern training facilities.
"Besides sports facilities across the state, there is also the 'Arena Belia' infrastructure for the local community, especially youngsters, for recreation, sports and related activities.
"We believe sports not only helps to form self-identity and high discipline in society, but also unite the people from all walks of life in Sabah," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the total amount of incentives given to the top athletes who competed and came out victorious in 2022 Commonwealth Sports Birmingham, 2022 Para Asean Solo and 2022 Sukma, as well as their coaches and team managers, came to a total of RM481,600.
