Public holiday in Johor following FA Cup victory
NEWSTRAITSTIMES
JOHOR BARU: Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar decreed that Johor would have a special holiday today to mark club side Johor Darul Ta’zim FC’s (JDT) Superbest Power FA Cup victory last night.
State Secretary Datuk Ismail Karim said the decision for the special holiday was decided in consultation with Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“After discussing the matter with the Johor Menteri Besar, the state government has decided to declare tomorrow a special holiday,” said Ismail.
“Tuanku (Sultan Ibrahim) has decreed for a special holiday for Johor if JDT wins tonight’s match,” said Ismail.
JDT took the coveted cup after a 2-1 win over Selangor’s PKNS FC at Shah Alam Stadium.
In an interview on Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s Johor FM during half-time of the match, Ismail said 70 per cent of the spectators at the stadium consisted of JDT fans, and this boosted the spirits of the players tonight.
He said there woud be incentives for JDT players.
“For the players, we’ll give incentives. For fans, we’re giving them a holiday,” said Ismail.
Present at the stadium were JDT owner Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Khaled and state executive council members.
Khaled congratulated the team for the victory and hoped it would lead to more success in the future.
A festive atmosphere was seen at eateries and homes in Johor, with outdoor viewing areas set up in many locations in the state.
Thousands of people were glued to the big screen at the Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru, with the chant “Allez Allez Allez, Ayuh Johor” reverberated in the air.
A loud cheer broke out when the final whistle blew, cementing JDT’s victory.
Big screens were also set up at 24 locations statewide, including at the open space car park in Mersing where Sultan Ibrahim and his Kembara Mahkota Johor entourage had stopped to rest last night.
