SEPANG: Malaysia's historic badminton triumphs in the mixed and women's doubles at the recent World Championships in Paris have been rewarded with special incentives, marking a break from the standard National Sports Incentive Scheme (SHAKAM) rates.

Mixed doubles pair Cheng Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei created history after winning Malaysia's first world title in the category, defeating China's Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Yaxin.

Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah landed the nation's first World Championships medal in the women's doubles, delivering silver after losing a titanic battle to China's Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the unprecedented victories by both pairs warranted recognition beyond the existing framework.

"Historically, we have never won in these categories," she said at a press conference to welcome the national wushu team home at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.

"Because of this breakthrough, we have decided to give Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei RM40,000 each, while Pearly-Thinaah will receive RM20,000 each."

Under NSC rules, the gold medal incentive for the Badminton World Championships is RM20,000 as the tournament is held annually.

In contrast, athletes in sports such as wushu, where the world meet takes place every two to four years, earn RM80,000 for a gold medal.

Previously, Hannah announced that Tang Jie-Ee Wei would receive RM10,000 each, while Pearly-Thinaah would receive RM5,000 each.

Hannah stressed that the incentive adjustment was a one-off decision, made in recognition of the historic feat.

She explained that the incentive structure was designed to apply fairly across sports, noting that several disciplines, not just badminton, have annual World Championships.

Hannah also pointed out that recent successes in both badminton and wushu highlighted the impact of the government's investment in athlete development.

"We have proven that we do not lack talent, we only lack funds," she said.

"When we provide our athletes with the exposure and resources, the medals will follow."