Sarawak donates RM10,000 to its 'Iron Lady'

KUCHING: The Sarawak government today donated RM10,000 to Husnul Khatimah Wajidi, also known as the 'Sarawak Iron Lady', to help her with the preparation for the 2018 Static Monsters World Championship at Gold Coast, Australia on May 20.
State Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the story of the 39-year-old athlete could inspire women in the country, particularly in Sarawak, to involve themselves in fields that were not common among the group.
She also hoped that the contribution would help Khatimah, who is the first hijab or veil-wearing Malaysian woman selected to compete in the Log and Deadlift Championship under the 72 kg bodyweight category, to cover her expenses over there.
"I am proud that we have a woman like Khatimah who shows that the women today are brave in facing challenges.
"We, the state government through the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), always support her participation in this event," she said at the brief donation presentation ceremony at her office in Bangunan Baitulmakmur here.
Also present was Sarawak Tourism, Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports principal assistant secretary Zul Usop.
Fatimah said she was also impressed with the commitment and roles played by Khatimah as an athlete and working mother, and hoped that other women would follow suit to come out of their comfort zones and empower themselves.
Yesterday, Khatimah deadlifted a Perodua Kelisa car using an axle bar 27 times within a minute in a short demonstration at the Sarawak Plaza here, in an effort to raise funds for the tournament. — Bernama