KUALA LUMPUR — Celebrated by Malaysians for his remarkable physique and achievements, Datuk Mohd Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah, casually known as Mike Mahen, believes that the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) should implement a pension scheme for non-Olympic athletes.
The 51-year-old, who retired from the game said that the ministry should not overly focus on helping Olympians and should also give some emphasis to athletes who participate in non-Olympic sports.
He suggested that athletes who have won a minimum of two world championships should be considered for the pension.
Currently, the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) offers a cash reward of RM1 million to Olympic gold medal winners, RM300,000 to silver medalists, and RM100,000 to bronze medalists.
Olympic medalists also receive a monthly Olympic Permanent Incentive Scheme allowance of RM5,000 (gold medalists), RM3,000 (silver medalists), and RM2,000 (bronze medalists).
“The government needs to acknowledge that athletes who bring honour to the nation aren’t limited to Olympians; they also include individuals like myself who aren’t involved in Olympic sports.
“Malaysia’s population stands at approximately 33 million, and it’s rare to find more than a few world champions among us.
“Providing a pension ranging from RM2,500 to RM3,000 wouldn’t impose a significant cost on the country, and it’s high time for the Sports Ministry to consider implementing a pension scheme for deserving athletes.
“While Olympic medalists currently receive pensions, it’s crucial to extend this benefit to athletes participating in non-Olympic sports.
“The government should introduce a pension plan specifically for multiple world champions. This move presents a win-win scenario as it would inspire athletes to strive harder for success on the global stage.
“Athletes lead challenging lives filled with rigorous training and competitive events. Once they retire due to age, many encounter financial difficulties due to the loss of earnings.
“Providing them with a pension upon retirement would alleviate their financial stress,” said Syarul who won his sixth world championship at the 14th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship which took place in South Korea last year.
Meanwhile, former national silat exponent Al-Jufferi Jamari echoed a similar sentiment by saying that non-Olympic athletes also put in the same effort as Olympic athletes and they should also be treated accordingly for their efforts.
The 32-year-old, who has four World Silat Championship titles under his belt, also said that this issue was raised to then-sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin in 2017, and plans were made to empower the non-Olympic athletes’ pension schemes.
“Similar to Olympic athletes, we also give the same level of commitment and dedication to the country as we also win medals and championships.
“However, I wonder why we are usually sidelined with our schemes while the Olympians get theirs.
“It’s so frustrating to witness that the ministry only prioritises athletes winning medals rather than supporting their finances by considering the future of non-Olympic athletes.
“We can be considered as government servants, and it’s the government’s job to take care of us.
“To be honest, together with Datuk Azizulhasni Awang (cyclist), Datuk Nicol David (former squash player), and Siti Rahmah (former silat exponent), we brought this issue up to minister Khairy in 2017, and he considered implementing the scheme, and it was already in the initial stage of discussion.
“However, the other sports ministers after his tenure failed to bring this issue to their attention, and the idea was completely shelved.
“I hope that the current Minister Hannah Yeoh will consider our plea and help us out in this matter. We are not asking for RM5,000-RM10,000 a month, but at least help us with what they can,” said Al-Jufferi.
Previously, Scoop reported that the Sports Ministry announced that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Sosco) would be implementing a scheme starting January this year for athletes under the Podium Programme. — March 22, 2024