The Malaysian government has called on the private sector to help boost the country's quest for gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.

The current incentive programme rewards athletes who win Olympic gold medals with a cash prize equivalent to $50,000 plus a lifetime monthly pension of $940.

The government hopes to increase this amount with help from corporate sponsors.

"We have decided to seek the assistance of the private sector to contribute towards the Olympic incentive scheme. It can come in any form, be it cash or in kind," Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times.

"We realise that extra incentives will motivate athletes to stay focused on winning medals in the Olympics."

The proposal must first win approval from the country's Cabinet Committee for Sports.

Reuters