The current incentive programme rewards athletes who win Olympic gold medals with a cash prize equivalent to US$50,000 (S$71,450) plus a lifetime monthly pension of US$940.

The government hopes to increase this amount with help from corporate sponsors.

'We have decided to seek the assistance of the private sector to contribute towards the Olympic incentive scheme. It can come in any form, be it cash or in kind,' Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times.

'We realise that extra incentives will motivate athletes to stay focused on winning medals in the Olympics.' The proposal must first win approval from the country's Cabinet Committee for Sports. -- REUTERS