It hasn't been a great week for Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) and the football fraternity at large following the accident that resulted in the loss of Syafiq Ahmad’s family members.
Imagine waking up to a new day with positivity — like we always aspire to at JDT — only to be hit by such tragedy. Jaws dropped and there was pin-drop silence as we gathered our thoughts and stomached the news that has stunned us all.
Daily plans were shelved as the Crown Prince of Johor, HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, showed us the heartfelt nature of JDT; how we as a club would mourn this tragic turn of events and provide crucial support in Syafiq’s time of need.
As condolence messages started flooding in from all corners, JDT emphasised it’s continued presence and support for Syafiq through published statements.
Apart from several JDT players who were there to comfort Syafiq through this difficult period, Tunku Ismail — widely known as TMJ — sent his Private Secretary as well as the Kadi Besar of Johor to aide and assist in the proceedings.
During this time, flags were flown at half-mast, the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium was bathed in white light and a condolence message was aired on the big screen to officially mark JDT’s 3-day mourning period.
It was in times like these that JDT displayed its heart: beyond all the tough routines, no-nonsense approach and shape-up-or-ship-out mentality, compassion and empathy prevailed; for the club always stuck together in the face of adversity.
Time and time again, the Southern Tigers have shown their humanity by never failing to extend a helping hand in the wake of a national crisis.
In hopes of helping the state distribute essentials to the needy after the first wave of Covid-19 hit Malaysia, JDT players and its coaching staff contributed a portion of their salaries to the Johor Disaster Fund.
In previous years, JDT has provided aid in cash and in-kind for flood victims in Penang, Pahang, Kelantan and various parts of Johor as well as for earthquake victims in Sabah.
In 2019, The Southern Tigers organised an All-Stars Friendly featuring 12 superstars of yesteryear — including six former World Cup winners — and donated the proceeds to the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, Women's Aid Organisation and National Cancer Society of Malaysia.
A total of RM600,000 was raised through the sale of tickets while the remaining RM80,000 were contributed by both JDT management and its players.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to help society has always been encouraged by the Crown Prince of Johor because JDT believes in the bigger picture; playing their part in society to bring the people together. — The Vibes, 10 December 2020
Former journalist Vijhay is Head of Content at Johor Darul Ta'zim FC following stints with Malay Mail, Sports247.my, FourFourTwo Malaysia and FOX Malaysia. You may have also heard him on BFM Football or watched him on Media Prima's football programmes. Vijhay can be reached at @vijhayvick on Twitter.
