KUALA LUMPUR: Powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin has been rewarded with RM1.02 million after winning a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in August.
The Sarawakian was the biggest winner at the National Incentive Scheme (Shakam) ceremony at a hotel in Subang Jaya on Friday.
Bonnie received RM1 million for winning gold in the 72kg event in Paris. He got an additional RM20,000 for breaking his own world record of 231kg with a 232kg lift.
Paralympic shuttler Cheah Liek Hou, who won the SU5 men's singles gold medal, also pocketed RM1 million.
Malaysian athletes and their respective coaches took home a total of RM3.6 million under the Shakam scheme.
Bonnie, 25, said the reward made up for his suffering during the Paralympics as he had to overcome a left shoulder strain to register 232kg, which was more than three times his body weight.
"This incentive is very special and meaningful for me as I had to endure extreme pain during my lifts at the Paralympics. The struggle was really worthwhile." said Bonnie.
Paralympic long jumper Abdul Latif Romly (men's T20) and shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli (men's F20) received RM300,000 each while Eddy Bernard earned RM100,000 for winning bronze in the 100m (men's T44).
Men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia and men's doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik received RM100,000 each for their Olympic bronze efforts.
Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who graced the ceremony, reminded the athletes to appreciate the public as the rewards come from taxpayers' money.
"The incentive scheme exists due to the hard work and the taxes paid by Malaysians. Whether they are teachers, goreng pisang sellers or taxi drivers - the incentives come from the public and the athletes must appreciate their efforts," said Yeoh.
"So the athletes must be grateful and remain grounded and always remember that they are training and competing for Malaysians and not merely hoping for incentives.
"Having said that, I hope the incentives will further motivate the athletes to produce results."