99 Speedmart Steps In With RM107,000 To Fulfil Paralympic Medallists’ Promised Rewards

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The dispute over unfulfilled cash rewards for Malaysia's 2024 Paris Paralympic medallists has been resolved, thanks to 99 Speedmart stepping in to sponsor the promised payouts

According to the New Straits Times, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that the retail chain has come forward to contribute a total of RM107,000 to reward the five affected national athletes.

Two-time Paralympic badminton gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou had earlier claimed on social media that the Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) failed to deliver the pledged rewards promised ahead of the Paris Games

In August 2024, PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin said three companies had agreed to sponsor the rewards: RM60,000 for gold, RM30,000 for silver, and RM15,000 for bronze.

The five Malaysian para-athletes who came home with medals were Cheah Liek Hou (gold), Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (gold), Abdul Latif Romly (silver), Ziyad Zolkefli (silver), and Eddy Bernard (bronze).

However, in response to Cheah, PCM later explained that one of the companies had pulled out due to financial issues, causing the athletes to receive reduced amounts — RM25,000 for gold, RM15,000 for silver, and RM8,000 for bronze — from the remaining two sponsors.

At a ceremony presenting the balance to Cheah today, 23 September, Yeoh confirmed that 99 Speedmart had topped up the missing amounts: RM35,000 for gold medallists, RM15,000 for silver, and RM7,000 for bronze

"I would like to express my appreciation to 99 Speedmart, represented by its chief operating officer Yong Eng Kwang, for stepping in as a special sponsor and providing the cash reward to our Paralympic athletes.

"The amounts were credited directly into the athletes' accounts yesterday," said Yeoh.

She emphasised that 99 Speedmart was not part of the original sponsorship deal but voluntarily offered assistance after learning about the issue.

"They read the news, learned about the issue, and contacted my office to offer help. They were not the original sponsors, but became the 'white knight' to ensure our athletes still received the full amount as reported. With this top-up, the Youth and Sports Ministry considers the matter closed, allowing the athletes to focus on their preparations," she added.