Kuala Lumpur:Athletes in Malaysia are being called upon to match the increase in Skim Hadiah Kemenangan Sukan (SHAKAM) incentives for team events with improved performances, following an announcement by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Arrifin Mohd Ghani emphasized the importance of Malaysian athletes delivering consistently better results as a return on the government's enhanced commitment. He stated that the increased incentive rate underscores the government's dedication to securing the best outcomes for athletes and is expected to boost their motivation on the international stage.

Arrifin further mentioned that the NSC will continue to review SHAKAM rewards to ensure that athletes and coaches receive the necessary support, especially with Malaysia set to host the 2027 SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games. The revised incentives, announced by Dr Mohammed Taufiq, include a 166.67 percent increase in gold medallists' rates for team events at major games, such as the Asian Games, Asian Para Games, and Commonwealth Games. The reward for gold medallists has risen from RM15,000 to RM40,000 per person, while silver medallists' incentives have increased from RM8,000 to RM20,000 per person, and bronze medallists from RM4,000 to RM10,000 per person.

This adjustment marks the first increase in team-event reward rates in 24 years, since they were set in 2002. The 2027 SEA Games are scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, Johor, and Penang from September 18 to 29, while the 2027 ASEAN Para Games will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 17 to 23.