KUCHING: The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development is committed to addressing welfare issues affecting state athletes, affirms minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
This comes in response to concerns raised by former national Paralympic swimmer, Julius Jaranding, who stated that he has yet to receive his allowance payment from the National Sports Institute of Malaysia (NSI).
Abdul Karim stressed that the NSI should fulfil its commitment and pay the athletes the remuneration agreed upon in the contract signed between the NSI and the athletes.
“NSI is a federal body and it’s not under the state’s jurisdiction. I’m not too sure whether or not the (allegations) unpaid allowances are genuine but if genuine, NSI should not treat athletes who deserve the allowances this way. They must be paid the allowances,” he said during a press conference here on Tuesday (July 11).
He added: “If the athletes signed a contract and were promised remuneration or a monthly allowance but have not received payment, this is wrong.”
Abdul Karim further said that if Julius approached him or wrote to him, he would personally send a letter to the NSI regarding the matter.
“I hope he brings the matter to us because we didn’t sign the contract with him. If Julius is a Sarawakian athlete, the ministry will ensure that his welfare is taken care of.”
Earlier, a local news portal reported on Julius’ case, stating that he claimed he had not received his total allowance amounting to RM72,000 from the NSI.
