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Mixed doubles world champions Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei were initially set to receive the standard RM20,000 each for their historic gold medal—the same amount given for any annual World Championship win.
Women’s doubles silver medalists Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah would have gotten even less under normal rates.
The public wasn’t having it – social media exploded with criticism over the “cheap” rewards for athletes who just made Malaysian sports history.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced that the government is doubling down – literally.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei now get RM40,000 each, while Pearly and Thinaah receive RM20,000 each.
“Taking into consideration that Tang Jie-Ee Wei and Pearly-Thinaah broke records – Malaysia has never in history won medals in mixed and women’s events at World Championships – we decided to give them special incentives,” Yeoh said.
WORLD CHAMPION AHTOH & TANGJIE already has its own parking 🫡🫡 Yay Yay !! 😆 @ Poewei1 @ChenTangJie pic.twitter.com/VR1ZgcSHJK
– Amni (@amninji) September 9, 2025
What They Actually Did
Tang Jie and Ee Wei crushed Chinese favourites Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in 40 minutes to become Malaysia’s first-ever mixed doubles world champions.
Pearly and Thinaah fought a brutal three-set final against China’s Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, losing 14-21, 22-20, 17-21, but still claiming Malaysia’s first women’s doubles World Championship medal ever.
Yeoh admitted the government’s usual RM20,000 rate exists “because the badminton World Championships happen annually.”
But when you’re making history and the public’s calling you cheap, sometimes you’ve got to pay up.
The minister’s now hoping these athletes keep winning so the government can keep paying out these higher rates.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei to receive RM20,000 under Shakam scheme https://t.co/rb0P84ZnJZ – rm20,000 for a First!? – For The Country! – I thought Badminton was so popular(from long ago) & lucrative nowadays-maybe the higher incentives are only in the private sector!
Wish they all get more!– Vijayan Ratnam (@vijayanratnam) September 3, 2025
State and Corporate Malaysia Join the Reward Rush
The federal government isn’t the only one opening its wallet.
The Melaka state government announced it’s giving Ee Wei an additional RM50,000 incentive for her World Championship victory.
Electronics retailer Senheng Malaysia is also celebrating the duo’s historic win with a RM125,000 reward package.
Tang Jie gets RM100,000 in cash while Ee Wei receives RM25,000 worth of electronic products.
READ MORE: From Separation To World Champions: Malaysia’s Tang Jie-Ee Wei Prove Second Chances Work
READ MORE: World Champs Cash In: Malaysian Mixed Doubles Pair Scores RM20,000 Government Bonus
READ MORE: [Watch] Pearly Tan Opens Up About Her Ideal Partner: “I Like The Blur Blur Type”
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### Badminton Bonanza: A Breakdown of Rewards for malaysia’s World Champions
In response to the historic achievements of Malaysian badminton stars Chen Tang Jie, Toh Ee Wei, Pearly Tan, and M. Thinaah, the rewards and recognition have soared. From the government’s increased incentives to corporate sponsorships, the financial appreciation for their accomplishments reflects the nation’s pride and the growing prominence of badminton in Malaysia. The following table summarizes the financial incentives and accolades, offering a clear overview of the rewards bestowed upon these remarkable athletes.
| Athlete(s) | Achievement | Initial Reward (RM) | Revised Reward (RM) | Corporate/State Incentives (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chen Tang Jie & Toh Ee Wei | Mixed Doubles World Champions | 20,000 (each) | 40,000 (each) | Melaka State: 50,000 (Ee Wei), Senheng: 125,000 (Tang Jie 100,000 cash, Ee Wei 25,000 electronics) |
| Pearly Tan & M. Thinaah | Women’s doubles Silver Medalists | N/A – Lower than RM20,000 | 20,000 (each) | N/A |
Note: figures are based on available data as of September 11, 2025. Additional bonuses and incentives may be announced.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did the government increase the rewards for Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei?
A: The government increased the reward to acknowledge their historic achievement. Their victory marked the first time Malaysia won a mixed doubles title at the World Championships,and public pressure likely influenced the decision. [[3]]
Q: What is the “Shakam scheme” and what does it provide?
A: The Shakam scheme is designed to give RM1 million for gold medals [[1]].
Q: Did Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik receive any rewards?
A: Aaron chia and Soh Wooi Yik were already included in the Olympic Fixed Incentive Scheme after winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and may receive further compensation from sponsors and the Badminton Association of Malaysia. [[2]]
Q: What role did public opinion play in the revised reward structure?
A: Public criticism on “cheap” rewards for the athletes after they made history prompted the government to double down on the incentives. The public outcry showcased how much Malaysians value their athletes’ success.
Q: Are there any other corporate sponsors involved in rewarding the badminton players?
A: Yes, Senheng Malaysia offered a reward package worth RM125,000 to Chen tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei. Aaron Chia,Soh wooi Yik and Chen Tang Jie,could perhaps get RM1 million each from Senheng,as well,if they won gold medals. [[1]]
Q: Beside the financial rewards, what else do the athletes receive?
A: while the focus is frequently enough on financial incentives, the rewards go beyond money to include the opportunity for increased sponsorship deals and recognition. For Chen and Ee wei, their achievement even earned them their own parking spot.
