KUCHING: Sarawak is keeping its cards close to its chest on incentives for Malaysia Games (SUKMA) champions, with rewards set to be reviewed only after the Games.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the move was intended to keep athletes focused on winning for Sarawak rather than financial rewards.
“We want the athletes to compete not for money, not for incentives, but more for personal glory and also to win the championship for Sarawak,” he told reporters after the Sarawak contingent’s flag handover ceremony at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today (Aug 10).
He assured athletes their efforts would be recognised, adding that the state would review the incentives after SUKMA.
“We will look into it. It might be lower, it might be higher, or it might maintain the status quo,” he said.
Sarawak previously offered RM15,000 to gold medallists, while Selangor’s incentive stands at RM10,000.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said Sarawak remained on track to build an international-standard velodrome near the state Sports Complex, with the facility designed to meet Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) requirements for hosting international events.
He also reaffirmed Sarawak’s target of 75 gold medals at SUKMA Selangor 2026, saying every sport had the potential to contribute.
“I hope every sport can produce gold, including sports that we may not expect. That’s why I said, I love surprises,” he said.
