By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Hajiji Noor presented victory incentives totalling RM383,116 to Sabah athletes who won medals at the 33rd SEA Games and the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand last year.
He said the incentives should serve as motivation for athletes to continue striving for greater achievements.
“Do not regard today’s success as the end point, but rather as a stepping stone to achieve even greater heights.
“To the coaches and families, your support is the backbone of these achievements,” he said during the incentive presentation ceremony at Menara Kinabalu.
A total of 91 Sabah athletes represented Malaysia at the 2025 SEA Games, helping the national contingent secure five gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals.
Meanwhile, 22 Sabah athletes were selected for the ASEAN Para Games, where they won 14 gold, nine silver and four bronze medals.
A total of RM146,500 in incentives was awarded to medal winners of the 33rd SEA Games, while ASEAN Para Games medal winners received RM236,616.
Hajiji said the State Government was proud of the achievements recorded by Sabah athletes at both Games.
He also praised Paralympic athletes Abdul Halim Mohammad and Ivan Jovic Suan, both from Tuaran, for their outstanding performances.
Abdul Halim won five gold medals in individual events, setting four new records, in addition to one silver and one bronze medal in team events.
He was also named Malaysia’s Best Male Athlete at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games by the Malaysia Paralympic Council and received the highest incentive payout.
Ivan, meanwhile, won three gold medals, including one in a record-breaking performance, despite being only 18 years old.
Hajiji said the State Government would continue providing substantial and consistent funding to support sports development and improve sports infrastructure for athletes.
“Through the sports policy we have planned, the government is working towards cultivating a sports culture and improving the health level of the people by providing equal opportunities to all segments of society,” he said.
He added that the Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Ministry, headed by Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan and Dato’ Sri Dr Anil Sandhu, would continue planning more comprehensive and effective sports development programmes for Sabah.
Hajiji also urged coaches, managers and athletes to fully utilise the facilities provided to improve performances in their respective sports.
“This includes ensuring greater success not only at the national level but also on the international stage,” he said.
Hajiji obliging to a wefie with multiple gold winners Ivan Jovic Suan (front), and Abd Halim Mohammad (second right), after the presentation ceremony.
