KUALA LUMPUR – Convenience store chain 99 Speedmart has awarded RM107,000 in direct cash top-ups to Malaysia’s Paralympic athletes who medalled at the Paris 2024 Games, in a move welcomed by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The funds were distributed straight to five athletes: para-badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou (gold), powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (gold), long jumper Datuk Abdul Latif Romly (silver), shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli (silver), and sprinter Eddy Bernard (bronze).
Under the initiative, gold medallists each received RM35,000, silver winners RM15,000, and bronze winners RM7,000.
Hannah praised the sponsorship for both recognising the athletes’ success and setting an example of transparent contributions.
“This effort not only celebrates their achievements but also shows their contributions are continuously valued.
“With transparent approaches like the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, public confidence in sports governance can be strengthened, ensuring our Paralympic heroes are celebrated beyond just medal wins,” Hannah said in a statement today.
The announcement comes on the heels of a funding dispute that saw the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) criticised for failing to fulfil what Liek Hou said was a RM60,000 gold medal reward.
Both Liek Hou and Bonnie had initially been paid only RM25,000 each despite claims that three sponsors had pledged the full amount.
Liek Hou, 37, won gold in the men’s singles SU5 category in Paris, adding to his historic list of achievements.
PCM’s handling of the cash rewards prompted public backlash, with Hannah openly calling for greater accountability.
With 99 Speedmart’s RM35,000 contribution, both Cheah and Bonnie have now received the full RM60,000 they were promised. — September 23, 2025