Kuala Lumpur: Cash rewards for athletes who won medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are expected to be distributed after the Aidilfitri celebrations, according to Paralympic Council Malaysia (MPM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin. He stated that efforts are being made to fulfil the promise made by a foreign company, although there are some constraints from the sponsor’s side.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin was addressing concerns raised by athletes still awaiting their rewards. He clarified that there is only one sponsor, a foreign entity, and they are currently arranging the disbursement of funds. Although some athletes have expressed uncertainty regarding their payments, they have been informed about the expected timeline.

“For your information, there is only one sponsor, a foreign company, and we are still arranging for them to disburse the funds. We are unsure which athlete claims they haven’t received it, but they have been informed of the timeline,” he said. He added that the issue is not considered major and believes all athletes will receive their payments. Initially, the disbursement was expected in the first quarter of 2025, but it might now occur after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

These remarks were made during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri contribution handover ceremony from corporate companies and NGOs to athletes at the Malaysian Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan. Malaysia achieved notable success at the Paris Paralympic Games, securing two golds, two silvers, and one bronze.

The event saw the attendance of about 60 athletes and was also graced by MPM secretary-general Datuk R. Subramaniam and OKU Sentral president Datuk Dr Ras Adiba Radzi.