KUALA LUMPUR – National sprinter Khairul Hafiz Jantan believes that Podium athletes need to change their mindset as they now receive monthly salaries with EPF deductions.
Khairul Hafiz became a national sensation after crossing the finish line first with a time of 10.38s to win the gold for Malaysia at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
“Now, with this new salary structure with EPF deductions, athletes need to change their mindset.
“We need to train harder, put in more effort, and bring home medals for the country,” he said when met at Surau Al-Faizin at the National Sports Council after Friday prayers today.
He is also grateful for the introduction of the new salary structure and EPF deductions for Podium athletes.
“Before this, when athletes retire, they hardly have any savings.
“With EPF deductions, maybe it won’t be a lot, but we can use it in old age,” added the sprinter.
Yesterday, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced an increase in the minimum salary for Podium athletes from RM800 to RM1,500 starting next week.
The allowances that were given to athletes for being a part of the Podium Programme will now be changed to salaries and will have EPF contributions.
Hannah said the decision to replace the previous minimum allowance with salaries was aimed to enhance the financial security of athletes. – January 12, 2024