Hajiji with the incentive recipients following the presentation ceremony.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji 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 success, describing their achievements as a stepping stone to higher accomplishments.
“I hope these incentives will inspire you to go further. Do not see today’s success as the final destination, but as a beginning for even greater heights,” he said during the presentation ceremony at Dewan Bankuasi, Menara Kinabalu, here today.
Hajiji taking a wefie with multiple gold medallists Ivan Jovic Suan (front) and Abdul Halim Mohammad (second right) after the ceremony.
Hajiji also acknowledged the crucial role played by coaches and families, describing their support as the backbone of the athletes’ achievements.
A total of 91 Sabah athletes represented Malaysia at the 2025 SEA Games, contributing five gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals to the national tally.
At the ASEAN Para Games, 22 Sabah athletes delivered an impressive performance, winning 14 gold, nine silver and four bronze medals.
Of the total incentives, RM146,500 was allocated to SEA Games medal winners, while ASEAN Para Games athletes received RM236,616.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is proud of all Sabah athletes who brought honour to the state and country through their achievements.
He also highlighted the outstanding performances of Paralympic swimmer Abdul Halim Mohammad and sprinter Ivan Jovic Suan, both from Tuaran.
Abdul Halim emerged as the top contributor, winning five gold medals in individual events, setting four new records, as well as one silver and one bronze in team events. He was also named Malaysia’s Best Male Athlete at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games by the Malaysia Paralympic Council.
Ivan, meanwhile, impressed the region by clinching three gold medals, including one record, at just 18 years old.
Hajiji assured that the State Government would continue allocating substantial and consistent funding to ensure more activities could be carried out and to provide modern sports infrastructure from time to time to meet athletes’ needs for more efficient and safer training.
“Through the sports policy we have planned, the Government is working towards cultivating a sports culture and improving the health level of the people of the state by providing equal opportunities to all segments of society.
“I believe the Sabah Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Ministry under the leadership of Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan and Dato’ Sri Dr Anil Sandhu, who are always youthful in spirit, will continue striving to plan more comprehensive and effective development for Sabah to achieve an even more admirable level of progress,” he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister also urged all parties involved in sports development, including coaches, managers and athletes, to fully utilise all facilities provided to enhance achievements in their respective sports.
“This includes ensuring greater success, not only at the national level but also on the international stage,” he said.
