Johor Government Urges FAM to Expedite Football Tournament Safety Framework

The Johor state government has called on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to accelerate the development of a comprehensive safety framework for all football competitions, including grassroots events. This initiative comes in the wake of a tragic incident where a student lost their life during a football match.

Dr. Muhammad Naqib Md. Ghazali, Chairman of the Johor Education and Information Committee, acknowledged that FAM is collaborating with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on such a framework. He stressed the urgency of implementing safety measures, such as ensuring the availability of paramedics throughout tournaments, to prevent incidents like the recent fatality.

"Safety regulations must be considered from various angles, including the provision of paramedics throughout the tournament," Dr. Muhammad Naqib stated after visiting the victim's family. He expressed the state government's condolences and urged all relevant agencies and experts to collaborate on a system that improves processes and prevents similar occurrences.

Dr. Muhammad Naqib emphasized that sporting events, unlike casual games, can have significant impacts or varying injury levels. Therefore, a robust safety framework is crucial for effective prevention. He also suggested that the framework should encompass various sports, particularly high-risk ones like rugby, which carries a risk of head injuries.

The incident involved a 12-year-old boy who collapsed during a football tournament on July 18 and was later pronounced dead at a private hospital. The state government's call highlights a broader concern for participant safety in organized sports within Malaysia.