Sarawak: The Sarawak state government awarded RM399,000 in cash incentives to all athletes who won medals at the recent Malaysia Deaf Games 2025 (SOPMA), including medal winners from 14 other states that competed in the games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that this initiative represents a mark of recognition and appreciation from the state government. It is also a demonstration of their commitment to inclusive sports development, particularly for the Deaf community.

Datuk Seri Fatimah expressed her gratitude to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving the RM399,000 incentive allocation for all medal winners, including those from other states. She hopes that the incentive will inspire athletes to enhance their performance and attain greater success, whether at national, ASEAN, Asia-Pacific, or international levels, such as the Deaflympics.

The announcement was made during the 22nd Sarawak SOPMA Medallists Incentive Presentation Ceremony, attended by the President of the Malaysia Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf), Ong Shin Ruenn.

Out of the total amount, RM60,000 was specifically awarded to 22 Sarawakian Deaf athletes who earned gold, silver, and bronze medals. It was noted that each medalist, regardless of their state, received the same amount as the Sarawak athletes: RM5,000 for gold, RM2,000 for silver, and RM1,000 for bronze.

In the games held in October last year, the Sabah contingent claimed the title of overall champions, securing 17 gold, 13 silver, and eight bronze medals, with Sarawak finishing in second place and the Federal Territory in third.