BANGKOK: The Sarawak Government will provide additional incentives to its athletes at the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, complementing rewards announced by the federal Government.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the incentives will be finalised once the federal government announces its rewards for podium finishers.
He said Sarawak’s incentive scheme has traditionally complemented national rewards, ensuring athletes are recognised appropriately for their achievements on the regional and international stage.
“Once the federal incentives for gold, silver, and bronze medallists are announced, there will definitely be additional support from the state.
“Usually, Sarawak gives about half of what the federal government provides,” he said when met today (Dec 8) before visiting the SEA Games facilities here.
Abdul Karim said the state government aims to ensure that the incentives are fair, meaningful, and reflective of the athletes’ accomplishments.
He added that assistance is not limited to medal bonuses, but also includes pre-competition support, particularly allowances to help athletes manage expenses at the host venue.
“These incentives are paid directly into the athletes’ accounts, and this has a positive impact on their performance,” he said.
He added that similar support is extended not only for the SEA Games, but also for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympic Games.
Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the incentive structure will continue to uplift and motivate Sarawak athletes to deliver strong performances for Malaysia.
He said the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s long-term aspiration to build a robust sporting ecosystem, nurture world-class athletes, and establish the state as a major sporting force in the region.
