Malaysian shot-putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli has vowed not to get complacent after receiving a sizeable sum of MYR 1.05 million for winning the men’s F20 event at last month’s Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

Malaysian shot-putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli has vowed not to get complacent after receiving a sizeable sum of MYR1.05 million (£203,500/$253,000/€226,000) for winning the men’s F20 event at last month’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro with a world record of 16.84 metres.

Ziyad, a bronze medallist at London 2012, was awarded the cash prize by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at a National Athletes Incentives Scheme (SHAKAM) presentation in Kuala Lumpur.

His triumph at Rio 2016 came on the same night that Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi claimed Malaysia’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal, winning the men’s 100m T36.

"I will not rest on my laurels but continue to focus on training," Ziyad told Malaysian national news agency Bernama.

"In fact, the incentives will serve as a motivation for me.

"The incentives I received will be used for my future.

"As I have said before, I will take my parents to perform the Haj."

Malaysia's Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi received MYR 1.02 million for his victory in the men's 100m T36 ©Getty Images
Malaysia's Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi received MYR 1.02 million for his victory in the men's 100m T36 ©Getty Images

Mohamad Puzi received MYR1.02 million (£198,000/$246,000/€219,000) for his achievement, while Abdul Latif Romly, gold medallists in the men's long jump F20 with a world record leap of 7.60m, was given the same amount as Ziyad.

"I will continue to train hard and be focused on winning more titles for the country," Latif said.

"I must thank the people for their support.

"What is important now is to maintain my performance."

Malaysia’s one other medallist at Rio 2016 was Siti Noor Radiah Ismail, a bronze medallist in the women’s long jump T20.

Last month, the Indian Government announced that cash rewards will be given to the country's Paralympic medallists from Rio 2016.

Thawaarchand Gehlot, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, said that the financial rewards were being given as part of the "Awareness Generation and Publicity" scheme.