Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has announced that national Paralympic shuttler Cheah Liek Hou will receive a RM1,000,000 cash reward from the government for securing Malaysia’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics yesterday (2 September).

Earlier today, it was highlighted that Cheah made Malaysians proud worldwide by triumphing in the men’s SU5 (physical disability) singles final at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Cheah Liek Hou to Receive RM1,000,000 Cash Reward and RM5,000 Monthly Lifetime Allowance

The 36-year-old para-athlete defeated Indonesia’s Suryo Nugroho in straight sets with scores of 21-13 and 21-15 at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena. This marks Cheah’s second gold, having also won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Congratulating Cheah on his outstanding achievement, Yeoh announced that the national hero would receive a lifetime allowance of RM5,000 per month under the Olympic Sports Incentive Scheme (SITO).

Yeoh expressed her pride, stating:

“So, so, so proud of Cheah Liek Hou for delivering Malaysia’s first gold at Paralympic Paris 2024. It was wonderful to hear Negaraku played at the Paralympic Games. As promised, Liek Hou will receive RM1,000,000 from the government and a lifetime allowance of RM5,000 per month through SITO.”

Yeoh also encouraged Malaysians to watch the film GOLD directed by Adrian Teh, which tells Cheah’s inspiring story.

Additionally, Yeoh shared a heartfelt message for Cheah, acknowledging his late father’s pride in his second Paralympic gold win:

“Liek Hou, I know your father would have been very proud of you for winning your second Paralympic gold! This is a world-class athlete who is a go-getter. We never had to worry about his mental strength. Thank you for making every Malaysian proud.”