Image by JOHORSouthernTigers
Johor has officially declared Sunday, August 25, as a special public holiday. This move is intended to allow the people of Johor to rally behind the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club as they face Selangor in the FA Cup final.
Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the Southern Tigers fans are encouraged to fill the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Saturday, August 24, to support their team in defending their FA Cup title. The public holiday on the following day ensures that fans can fully participate in the event without concerns about their responsibilities the next day.
“With the approval from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the state government has decided to declare this Sunday a public holiday,” Onn Hafiz shared via a Facebook post on Monday, August 19. He urged all Johor residents, known as Bangsa Johor, to turn the stadium into a vibrant sea of red and blue, the club’s colors.
Image by JOHORSouthernTigers
JDT’s impressive record includes winning the FA Cup three times—in 2016, 2022, and 2023. The club has not only made a name for itself in Malaysia but also gained international recognition. Onn Hafiz highlighted the transformation that began in 2012 when Tunku Ismail was appointed as the president of the Johor Football Association. This marked the start of significant changes that led to JDT’s consistent success.
In 2013, JDT embarked on its new journey, achieving remarkable milestones starting with the Malaysian Super League championship. The team has maintained its dominance for a decade.
Image by AFC Cup
One of JDT’s historic achievements was in 2015 when they became the first East Asian team to win the AFC Cup. The club continues to excel, with consistent appearances in the AFC Champions League and making history by qualifying for the knockout round among the top 16 teams.
This special holiday on August 25 not only celebrates the club’s achievements but also unites the Johor community in support of their team.
