MALACCA, Oct 7 — The issue of incentives raised by a coach who had groomed a number of athletes to win gold medals in the Sukma is expected to be discussed at the State Sports Council committee meeting by end of the month.

Malacca State Sports Council director Ismail Abdol Jalil said the council was aware of the issue raised by athletics coach Mohd Poad Kassim since he felt the RM1,000 given to him as incentive was 'peanuts' since five of his athletes had won gold medals and also broke the 100m National record in the recent Sukma in Sarawak.

"The coach's (Mohd Poad) disappointment will be discussed in the council's management committee meeting and decision will be endorsed before submitting it to the state government. We are always open to discussion and coaches who are unhappy can come and discuss with us.

"Incentives for Sukma will be discussed from time to time and the amount increased if deemed right. There is no issue of being treated unfairly, just a misunderstanding," he told reporters here today.

Newspaper reports yesterday reported that Mohd Poad was disappointed with the RM1,000 incentive given to him as coach compared with Khairul Hafiz Jantan who is under his charge, awarded RM28,666.66 for winning gold medals and breaking the national record in the Sukma.

Ismail said on October 4, Mohd Poad had sent him a message, expressing his disappointment and he had explained to Mohd Poad the rationale for his incentive amount.

"However, before the issue was discussed in the council's management committee meeting, newspapers had carried the report," he said.

He said as a coach Mohd Poad had carried out his duties well and the State Sports Council would do everything in its powers to assist and support him. — Bernama