KUCHING: The Sarawak government will reward with incentives, Sarawakian Paralympian Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and national swimmer Mohd Adib Iqbal Abdullah who both bagged the gold medal in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and 11th Asean Para Games in Indonesia respectively.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that incentives will be given to the duo and he hoped more athletes will be rewarded as well as there are still some Sarawakian athletes in the running for a few more medals in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“At any international events which are recognised and where the federal government is giving incentives (to the winners), the state government will also be doing the same.
“Whatever the federal government gives, the Sarawak government will give half of the federal amount.
“So, Bonnie and Adib will definitely be receiving some incentives,” he pointed out.
He told this to reporters in a press conference after officiating at the launch of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Sarawak Fair at Boulevard Shopping Mall today.
Abdul Karim also said that athletes who are finalists in the upcoming SUKMA Games will also be given incentives.
On another note, he said he was very proud of the duo for their achievements.
“I wish to congratulate Bonnie and Mohd Adib for winning the gold medal. Mohd Adib is from Asajaya, and I’m very proud of him,” said Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman.
On Aug 5, 23-year-old Para powerlifter Bonnie delivered the fourth gold medal for Malaysia at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games held at the National Exhibition Centre after successfully lifting a new Games record of 220kg in the 72kg category.
Meanwhile, Mohd Adib bagged the gold medal in the men’s 50 metre breaststroke SB14 (intellectual impairment) at the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Solo, Indonesia on Aug 2.
