Following that news, the Sarawak government promised to help him and his family overcome their financial difficulties.

Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem had said at the time that the state would provide assistance in recognition of 40-year-old Watson’s contributions to the state and country.

Yesterday, Adenan came good on his promise after presenting a new house to Watson and his family at a special ceremony in Miri.

Watson, who had held the national record for the 100-metre sprint for 18 years until it was broken at the Sukma Games in July this year, received the keys to the new house, which was a joint contribution by the Naim Group of Companies and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB).

According to a report in the New Straits Times yesterday, the new home for Watson and his family is a fully-furnished, single-storey corner terrace house at Vista Perdana Phase 2 Permyjaya in Miri.

Watson was said to have been staying at his mother-in-law’s house at Riam Road in Miri, since 2010.

“First and foremost I must thank the Chief Minister for keeping his promise after meeting me early this year,” Watson was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.

“I told him I need a house, and he promised to look into my plight. (But) I never expected it would be so soon!”

Dubbed “The Flying Dayak” in his heyday, Watson, was reported in March to have defaulted on a RM80,000 loan he had taken with Bank Islam to pay for his late father’s cancer treatment.

He is currently employed as a coach with the Sarawak Sports Council.