Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will discuss again the award of rewards under the national sports incentive scheme (SHAKAM) for deaf athletes who win medals at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics with the National Sports Council (MSN) to ensure that all athletes are celebrated fairly and sustainably. Its Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that the discussion is crucial to align the reward rates with available funds and uphold equality among all categories of athletes, including normal, para, deaf, and Special Olympics athletes.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Yeoh emphasized the importance of ensuring that the funds provided by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are sufficient for rewarding athletes and determining appropriate rates. She highlighted that the KBS values the sacrifices made by national athletes and insists on a regular review process to ensure decisions are both inclusive and prudent.
Previously, the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) received a letter from MSN on October 17, indicating that the 2025 Deaf SEA Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, could not be included in the SHAKAM scheme payment structure. During that event, the country’s deaf athletes achieved remarkable success, securing 25 gold medals, 16 silver, and 11 bronze, and were crowned overall champions at the second edition of the games.
The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics is scheduled to take place from November 15 to 26. In a related development, Minister Yeoh addressed social challenges faced by young people, including cultural phenomena like ‘incel’ or hatred of women. She stressed the importance of strengthening interaction and value formation among youth.
To address these issues, KBS plans to expand sports programs under the Rakan Muda initiative next year. The aim is to use sports not only as physical activities but also as a platform to build character, discipline, and mutual respect among youth. Minister Yeoh highlighted the role of sports in teaching respect for rules and providing opportunities for socialization and conflict resolution, particularly for children with limited interaction at home.
She affirmed that KBS is committed to using sports as a primary approach to revitalize community spirit and rebuild social values among young people.