SEPANG: Newly crowned badminton world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will receive an additional incentive from the government for their historic win, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
He said the government would give them a special award, which is in addition to the RM20,000 they are each entitled to under the Sports Reward Scheme (SHAKAM) of the ministry.
"This is the first time Malaysians have won a title at the world badminton championships, so the ministry will definitely ensure that they are given a reward other than that provided by SHAKAM.
"But I will not announce the amount now ... we want them to win many more titles," he told a press conference after receiving Aaron-Wooi Yik on their return at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here today.
Last Sunday Aaron-Wooi Yik ended Malaysia's 45-year wait for a world badminton crown by beating Indonesia's experienced pair of Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan 21-19, 21-14 in the men's doubles final in Tokyo.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria had announced that Aaron-Wooi Yik would each be rewarded RM150,000 by BAM and RM50,000 by their sponsor Yonex.
The special incentive from the ministry is expected to be given at a ceremony next week where SHAKAM rewards will be issued to medallists from several championships, including the Hanoi SEA Games and Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Ahmad Faizal also urged sports fans not to be unduly critical of national athletes who did not perform well.
"Constructive criticisms which can improve their performance are welcome but don't be too harsh on them to the extent of breaking their fighting spirit. As fans we should be out to lift up their spirits.
"Previously, Aaron-Wooi Yik were criticised for frequently falling in the semi-finals but they persevered and proved themselves by bringing home the world title," he said, adding that their victory was a fitting National Day gift for the country.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Sep 01 2022
Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the government would give them a special award, which is in addition to the RM20,000 they are each entitled to under the Sports Reward Scheme (SHAKAM) of the ministry. - BERNAMA
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.