Johor state government through the presentation of the 2021 Budget by Menteri Besar, Datuk Ir. Hasni Mohammad on 26th November 2020, has envisioned sports as a new economic industry in Johor. RM1 million was injected to Johor Sports Master Plan 2030 not only to develop and improve lifestyles and athletes but to become a new economic industry as well.
- Who are involved?
Sports Johor Sdn. Bhd and the Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ) will collaborate with Loughborough University, United Kingdom the world-renowned in sports science study. The cooperation will help prepare Johor contingent en route to SUKMA XX Johor 2022 and also help Johor produce world-class athletes, advancing the sports industry and drive the development of the sports tourism sector.
- How much is the cost?
A total of RM1 million is allocated to Johor State Sports Association Professionalisation Programme including MSNJ grants to state sports associations according to its grade and evaluated by MSNJ.
Several state sports associations have also welcomed the initiative which is deemed to help the association to be more competitive and have systematic governance as well as boost Johor state sports programme in an effort to produce more quality young athletes in the future.
- What’s the athletes’ reaction?
President of the Johor State Athletics Association, Sallehudin Haji Satar said, “We welcome the announcement as it is a starting point to overcome the current uncertain situation, as well as provide opportunities for the natives of Johor to further develop this sport.
- How inclusive the sports community think of it?
President of the Johor State Cycling Association, Datuk Amran A. Rahman agreed and said, “We really appreciate what has been announced by the state government, it is an inclusive budget and we request that assistance can be extended to high-performing sports. Besides that, the maintenance of sports infrastructure should also be taken into account and the association will redraft the action plan to face any competition, especially the Malaysian Games scheduled for 2022 in Johor”, he explained through a phone call interview.
- How does the allocation help?
The president of the Johor State Karate Association, Chok Kong Yu, suggested that the allocation through the Budget could help the association redraft the delayed planning.
“We did feel affected by the current situation but through this allocation, we are able to reconstruct the training programmes and the annual planning. Our main focus is definitely preparation for the Malaysian Games which will be held in 2022 and I have high hopes that we will be fully prepared at that time”, added Chok.
- Existing facilities: What happens to it?
Platforms
The state government will provide a platform for the people to play sports through the organisation of the Johor Xtif Makmur Sports Carnival. This carnival will involve three types of sports, namely sepak takraw, badminton and netball. The organisation of this activity will be implemented in 56 DUNs throughout the state of Johor.
Empowering Johoreans
Meanwhile, events such as XTIF Johor Fun Ride, Fun Run and Esports will also be held under JOYDEC where the state government will allocate RM1.98 million for this purpose to help the people of Johor remain active in sports.
Gyms for Everyone
The International People’s Gymnasium will also be built in line with the order of Tunku Mahkota Johor to build a gymnasium that helps the public to practice an active and healthy lifestyle apart from the establishment of Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre which is to empower the young on top of the RM 500,000 allocated for Database Johor Youth.
