Zahid moots triple reward value for national athletes

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed that the value of rewards under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) be tripled as an incentive for national athletes to bring further glory to Malaysia at the international stage.
 
Speaking at the Shakam 2023 awards ceremony in Bangi last night, he said the current incentives were inadequate compared to the achievements of the national athletes at competitions and meets.
 
"We are achieving more success but it is not reflected in the rewards given. I also sympathise with the minister (Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh) as she has been trying to ask (the government) for more rewards and incentives. 

"If I am invited for the next Shakam (awards event), I would like the value of rewards to be tripled. Many from the private sector are willing to sponsor, and if there are listed companies with huge profits who are willing to sponsor, I believe the government will offer them tax reduction," he said.

Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, also expressed confidence that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would announce additional incentives for the sports sector in Budget 2024 this October. 
 
Shakam is a manifestation of the country's appreciation for athletes who have won medals in major sporting events including the Olympic Games, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, SEA Games and Asean Para Games.

The highest reward is RM1 million for gold medal winners at the Olympic and Paralympics. Shakam incentives are also given to athletes who successfully set new records and for team achievements.

Zahid meanwhile praised Yeoh’s commitment to developing national sports along with her deputy, Adam Adli Abd Halim.

"I am of the view that the youth and sports ministry is very fortunate to have Yeoh, who is very proactive. During Cabinet meetings, I see her constantly championing the plight of national athletes," Zahid said.

At Shakam 2023, SEA Games medalists received more than RM1.2 million in total rewards while Asean Para Games medalists took home rewards worth RM1.18 million.

The event also celebrated the success of national athletes who competed in the 2023 Special Olympics in Berlin last month, where they received incentives totalling RM95,500.