Are current Shakam incentives adequate for athlete achievements?

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Current Shakam Incentives Are Deemed Inadequate Compared to Athlete Achievements

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed tripling the reward values under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam), citing that current incentives are insufficient to match the achievements of Malaysian national athletes. This proposal comes as a response to the growing success of athletes on the international stage, which he believes is not adequately reflected in the existing reward structure. The highest current reward is RM1 million for Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists.
Shakam Rewards for Major Games

The National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) serves as a formal recognition of athletes who secure medals in significant international competitions. This includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, SEA Games, and Asean Para Games. While the RM1 million prize for Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists is the highest tier, Shakam also provides incentives for record-breaking performances and team achievements, acknowledging a broader spectrum of athletic success.
Recent Shakam Payouts Highlight Discrepancy

Recent Shakam award ceremonies have provided concrete figures that underscore the perceived inadequacy of current incentives. At the Shakam 2023 awards, medalists from the SEA Games collectively received over RM1.2 million in rewards. Similarly, athletes who excelled at the Asean Para Games were presented with a total of RM1.18 million. Furthermore, participants in the 2023 Special Olympics in Berlin received incentives amounting to RM95,500, indicating varying reward levels across different international platforms.
Call for Increased Incentives and Private Sector Support

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed a strong desire to see a threefold increase in Shakam reward values, suggesting that such a move would better acknowledge the dedication and success of national athletes. He also highlighted the potential for increased private sector involvement, noting that many companies are willing to sponsor athletes. Ahmad Zahid indicated that the government might offer tax reductions to listed companies that contribute financially, thereby fostering a collaborative ecosystem to enhance athlete support.
Anticipation for Budget 2024 Announcements

Beyond the immediate proposal for Shakam, there is an expectation that further incentives for the sports sector will be announced in the upcoming Budget 2024. The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed his hope and confidence that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will include significant allocations or new initiatives for athletes in the national budget. This suggests a broader governmental consideration for improving the welfare and motivation of Malaysian sportspeople.

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Are current Shakam incentives adequate for athlete achievements?

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