Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will continue to allocate substantial and consistent funding to expand sporting activities and upgrade modern sports infrastructure, ensuring athletes have access to safer and more efficient training facilities.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said through the State’s sports policy, the Government is committed to cultivating a sporting culture while improving public health by providing equal opportunities across all segments of society.
“I am confident the Sabah Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy, under the leadership of Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan and Dato’ Sri Dr Anil Sandhu, will continue to drive more comprehensive and effective development initiatives to elevate Sabah’s progress to greater heights,” the Chief Minister said.
At the same time, Hajiji urged all stakeholders in sports development, including coaches, managers and athletes, to fully use the facilities provided to enhance performance and achievements.
“This includes striving for greater success not only at the national level but also on the international stage,” he said, when presenting 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, at Menara Kinabalu, Tuesday.
Hajiji hoped these incentives would motivate the athletes to keep pushing forward.
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“Do not regard today’s success as the final destination, but as a stepping stone towards even greater achievements. To the coaches and families, your unwavering support is the backbone of these accomplishments,” he said.
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 were selected and delivered an impressive performance, winning 14 gold, nine silver and four bronze medals.
Of the total incentives, RM146,500 was awarded to medal winners of the 33rd Sea Games, while Asean Para Games medal winners received RM236,616.
“The State Government is extremely proud of the achievements of all Sabah athletes who competed and secured medals at both the events.
“We are also proud of the outstanding performances of two Paralympic athletes who were instrumental in our medal haul at the recent Asean Para Games, namely swimmer Abdul Halim Mohammad and track athlete Ivan Jovic Suan, both from Tuaran,” he said.
Abdul Halim delivered a remarkable performance, winning five gold medals in individual events while 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 (MPM), making him the largest incentive recipient at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Ivan’s achievement of winning three gold medals, including one new record, was a standout moment in Southeast Asia’s sprint events, particularly as the athlete is only 18 years old.
