Father-to-be Syahir says RM40,000 Shakam payout a timely blessing
KUALA LUMPUR: National sepak takraw squad tekong Syahir Rosdi was close to speechless after learning that the incentive for team event gold medallists at the Asian Games level had been increased from RM15,000 to RM40,000 for each player under the National Sports Incentive Scheme on Wednesday.
National sepak takraw player Syahir Rosdi expressed amazement at the recent increase in team event gold medal payouts under the National Sports Incentive Scheme from RM15,000 to RM40,000. Dr Taufiq Johari, Youth and Sports Minister, announced the change after meeting with the squad in Putrajaya.
Syahir, who led Malaysia to its first sepak takraw team event gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, was overwhelmed by the news, stating he was "left speechless." He emphasized the players' gratitude to the Minister for his attention to their concerns.
Syahir recently criticized the disparity between team and individual event payouts under Shakam, revealing that individual gold medalists receive RM80,000, while team gold medalists only receive RM15,000. He posted this information to clarify misconceptions among the public.
The increased RM40,000 incentive for team gold medalists is particularly timely for Syahir and his pregnant wife, Ain Athalia. Syahir highlighted the positive impact of the bonus on his family's situation.
Datuk Sumali Reduan, president of Malaysia Sepak Takraw Federation, praised the decision to revise team event incentive rates for the first time in 24 years. He emphasized that the increase is more than 100 per cent higher than the previous rates, benefiting all team events.
The revised Shakam structure also raises silver payouts from RM8,000 to RM20,000 and bronze rewards from RM4,000 to RM10,000, applying to competitions held earlier this year.
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