KANGAR: The Perlis government today announced an incentive in the form of RM300,000 two-storey terrace house for Paralympics gold medalist Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and Abdul Latif Romly.
Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man said the incentive was given as an appreciation for the duo's achievement in the recent Rio Paralympics.
The duo made history by being among the first Malaysian para-athletes to contribute gold for the country in the Paralympics.
"It was due to their immense contribution at the Rio Paralympics that the state government decided to award them with a two-storey terrace house each.
"We have not decided on the location of the terrace houses, but it will of course be located within Perlis.
"The state government is also considering providing incentives for the coaches who were responsible for helping the two athletes to develop and improve their talents," said Azman, adding that the athletes will receive the houses soon.
Azman was speaking to reporters at the homecoming ceremony for the two athletes, which took place at the Dataran Datuk Sheikh Ahmad here today. Around 500 people from all walks of life gathered to show their support and appreciation for their hometown heroes.
Azlan said several companies have also expressed interest in presenting Ridzuan and Abdul Latif with funds as an incentive for their outstanding achievement.
"I cannot reveal the names of the companies or the amount they wish to award the athletes. It is better that the company themselves announce their decision," he said.
Ridzuan and Abdul Latif, who touched down at the Sultan Abdul Halim Airport in Alor Star about 1.35pm today from Kuala Lumpur, was earlier paraded from the airport in a convoy consisting of various type of superbikes and cars to Dataran Datuk Sheikh Ahmad.
Ridzuan, 29, who is from Padang Besar, won Malaysia's first gold in the men's 100m with a record time of 12.07 seconds.
Meanwhile, Abdul Latif, 19, from Kangar won the country's third gold in the men's long jump T20 (learning disability) with a new world record of 7.60 metres jump in his fifth attempt at the Rio Paralympics. The previous world record of 7.35 metres was also his own, which he set at the IPC World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar last year.