Penang gold medallists stand to earn RM10,000 each at this month’s 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA), but only if the state contingent hits its 60-gold target.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow unveiled the tiered incentive scheme at the Penang contingent flag presentation ceremony in Kepala Batas on 1 August. Under the scheme, gold medallists will receive RM4,000 each if Penang wins between one and 39 gold medals, RM6,000 for 40 to 49 golds, RM8,000 for 50 to 59 golds, and RM10,000 if the 60-gold mark is reached or surpassed.
“The incentive will increase to RM10,000 for each gold medallist if the target of 60 gold medals or more is achieved,” Chow told reporters, as reported by NST.
The previous SUKMA gold incentive under Penang’s Skimas (Sports Excellence Incentive Scheme) stood at RM4,000 per gold medallist. After the 21st edition in Sarawak, the state raised the amount to RM6,000 when it distributed RM553,200 to athletes, coaches and sports associations.
Chow acknowledged that the 60-gold target is a major jump from the 41 gold medals Penang won at the 21st SUKMA in Sarawak, where the state finished fourth overall with 41 gold, 45 silver and 53 bronze medals. But he said the higher target is designed to push athletes to deliver their best.
“The most important thing is for the Penang contingent to give its best,” he said.
Penang will compete in all 37 sports at the Games with a contingent of 886 athletes and officials. Chef de mission Joseph Ng Soon Siang, who is also the Air Itam assemblyman, will lead the team.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the tiered system is meant to encourage collective performance rather than individual gains alone. Athletes are rewarded based on the contingent’s overall haul, not just personal medals.
“This is to encourage athletes across all events at the Selangor SUKMA to work together and contribute to the contingent’s overall success,” he said.
On logistics, Gooi said there will be no athletes’ village at this year’s Games. All accommodation and logistical arrangements have been planned in advance, with athletes housed close to competition venues. The state government has also increased accommodation and meal allowances for the contingent.
The 2026 Selangor SUKMA runs from 15 to 24 August.
