KUCHING: The state government has allocated RM399,000 in incentives to reward every winning athlete of the 22nd Malaysian Deaf Games (SOPMA) 2025, regardless of the state they represented.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the incentives reflect Sarawak’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg — a commitment that reaches beyond the South China Sea.
“This is a historic moment for SOPMA and a true manifestation of inclusivity that transcends regional boundaries.
“Alhamdulillah, it reflects the great spirit of a leader like Abang Johari, who believes SOPMA can unite people across territorial borders and even the South China Sea.
“From now on, I hope the deaf community, wherever you are, will continue to stand together to empower your community and ensure the continued success of SOPMA.
“This initiative by the Sarawak government proves that inclusivity is not just a slogan, but a concrete action — a genuine sign of care and commitment,” she said.
She said this in her speech during the closing ceremony of SOPMA XXII 2025 at Imperial Hotel here on Monday (Oct 6).
Commenting on the distribution of incentives, Fatimah stressed it will refer to the implementation guidelines from 2016 in Penang as the benchmark.
“I have been entrusted to detail the amount of incentives that can be given based on what we provided back in 2016 in Penang,” she said.
Fatimah also proposed that the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDEAF) consider including other sports that are contested at the international level, such as swimming and table tennis, in future SOPMA editions.
This would give more talented athletes with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a bigger stage.
“The focus is on providing as many opportunities and platforms as possible for them to participate and express their talents and potential,” she added.
As a result of the incentives, overall champion Sabah, with a total of 38 medals, will receive RM119,000, followed by Sarawak in second place with RM60,000, and Federal Territories in third with RM57,000.
The total incentive amount for the 51 sporting events in SOPMA 2025 is RM399,000.
