Photos of Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin presenting prize money as low as RM10 to kids who won a cycling competition is going viral on social media, but not all comments were negative.
Many ridiculed the amount of prize money, which ranged from RM10 to RM50 for those aged under 15.
"Sports kids get RM20, (but) sports officers can get RM100 million. Kipidap (keep it up) Malaysia," said Facebook user Arm Haji Abdullah TE, referring the youth and sports ministry's multi-million ringgit misappropriation scandal.
Others said Khairy should be "ashamed" for presenting such lowly prizes.
One Facebook user, Tai Zee Kin, acknowledged that the mock cheques presented probably cost more than the prize money, but emphasised the monetary values of such prizes were not the only thing that mattered.
"Junior tournaments like this are intended to motivate, encourage, and instill young Malaysians with sports culture and lifestyle.
"It seeks to give them recognition and acknowledgment for taking the first steps, albeit an important one, into doing great things," Tai wrote.
He added that receiving a prize from a minister may encourage kids to do better, and parents may also be inspired to do more to encourage their children's skills.
The Junior Cycling Championship took place in Serdang last Friday and Saturday, and was open to a variety of age groups, including for adults.
Besides cash prizes, those who won first to third place were also presented with medals.
For those above 15, prize money ranged from RM20 to RM300.
There was also an elite men's and women's category where the prize money was between RM60 and RM1000.
Malaysiakini has contacted the event organisers for a response. -Mkini
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