KEPALA BATAS, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- The Penang government will offer incentives of up to RM10,000 to each gold medallist at the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor if the state contingent achieves its target of 60 gold medals.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the enhanced incentive scheme reflects the state government's appreciation for the athletes' excellence while serving as a morale booster for the entire contingent to deliver its best performance in Selangor.
"The gold medal incentive will be based on the contingent's overall performance, with RM4,000 awarded to each gold medallist if Penang wins between one and 39 gold medals, RM6,000 if it wins between 40 and 49 gold medals, and RM8,000 if it secures between 50 and 59 gold medals.
"The incentive will increase to RM10,000 for each gold medallist if the target of 60 gold medals or more is achieved," he told reporters after the Penang contingent flag presentation ceremony for the 22nd SUKMA here today.
Also present were State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long.
Chow said the 60-gold target is undoubtedly more challenging than the 41 gold medals won at the previous edition, but it has been set to inspire the Penang contingent to achieve its best performance.
He said the Penang contingent will compete in all 37 sports with a total of 886 athletes and officials, led by chef de mission Joseph Ng Soon Siang, who is also the Air Itam assemblyman.
"We have set that target of 60 gold medals to motivate the contingent. Whether we achieve it or not, we will have to wait and see, but the most important thing is for the Penang contingent to give its best," he said.
Meanwhile, Gooi said the state government has introduced a more attractive incentive scheme than the one offered at the previous SUKMA to reward athletes for their achievements.
Previously, Penang SUKMA gold medallists received RM4,000 each under the state's sports excellence award scheme but this time, the rewards will be based on a tiered system linked to the contingent's total gold medal haul.
"This is to encourage athletes across all events at the Selangor SUKMA to work together and contribute to the contingent's overall success," he said.
Commenting on the absence of an athletes' village at this year's Games, Gooi said all accommodation and logistical arrangements had been planned well in advance, with athletes housed close to the competition venues to ensure the smooth running of events.
He said the state government has also increased accommodation and meal allowances to safeguard the welfare of athletes throughout the Games.
"In terms of preparations, everything is in place and progressing smoothly, including accommodation, which has been properly arranged," he said.
The 2026 Selangor SUKMA will be held from Aug 15 to 24.
At the 21st edition in Sarawak, Penang finished fourth overall with 40 gold, 40 silver and 50 bronze medals.
-- BERNAMA