KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) – The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will discuss again the award of rewards under the national sports incentive scheme (SHAKAM) for deaf athletes who win medals at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics with the National Sports Council (MSN) to ensure that all athletes are celebrated fairly and sustainably.
Its Minister Hannah Yeoh said the discussion is important so that the reward rates set would be in line with the ability of funds and the principle of equality between all categories of athletes including normal, para, deaf and Special Olympics athletes.
“This one (SHAKAM at the Deaflympics) we have to discuss first with the MSN as I mentioned. Starting this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will provide special funds for them.
“So we have to make sure that the funds provided are sufficient and if we want to give them, what is the rate? So all that we need to discuss first,” she told reporters after attending the CelcomDigi Children's Football programme here, today.
She stressed that KBS always appreciates the sacrifices of every national athlete, but the review process must be done regularly so that every decision is inclusive and prudent.
Previously, the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) received a letter from MSN on Oct 17 stating that the 2025 Deaf SEA Games in Jakarta, Indonesia could not be considered because it was not in the SHAKAM scheme payment structure.
At that time, the country's deaf athletes brought home 25 gold medals, 16 silver and 11 bronze medals, thus being crowned the overall champion at the second edition of the games.
The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics is scheduled to take place from Nov 15 to 26.
In another development, Hannah explained that her ministry sees the social challenges of young people, including cultural phenomena 'incel' or hatred of women is not just a problem but an important signal that the space for interaction and value formation among youth needs to be strengthened.
On that basis, KBS will increase sports programmes under the Rakan Muda initiative next year, making sports not just physical activities but a platform to build character, discipline and respect for each other.
"When they play sports, they have to learn to respect the laws or rules of the sport. So sometimes when there is only one child, two children at home, they have less opportunity to socialise and resolve conflicts among themselves," she said.
She stressed that her party is now using sports as the main approach to restore community spirit and rebuild social values among youth.
-- BERNAMA
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