MOE to investigate poor sports facilities at SSTMI

The Education Ministry will look into the poor conditions of the sporting facilities at the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) in Bandar Penawar, Johor.

Deputy minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi yesterday said that he would instruct his officers to "investigate and take action" on claims that the school, was not being well maintained.

"We will give this attention and inform the sports division so that they investigate and take action," Puad said.

In July last year, Astro Awani reported about the poor conditions of the facilities at the sports school.

The hockey turf, pole vaults, lawn bowl pitch, squash courts, football field, volleyball court, sepak takraw courts and bowling alleys were found to be either not well maintained, not functioning well or in some cases not working at all.

SSTMI began operations in January 18, 1998 and was then known as the Bandar Penawar Sports School.

In April 16, 2011, the crown prince of Johor Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim officiated the school and it was renamed after him.

The school has produced a string of national athletes including national footballers Shakir Shaari and Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

Meanwhile, Puad also defended the 1Student1Sport policy introduced in 2011 when asked about criticisms against it.

"We see that the implementation has been smooth," he said.

“Schools that do not have sufficient sports facilities can promote jogging, aerobic exercises and silat instead. You don't need a field...sports does not necessarily mean football and running. You can try alternatives,” added Puad.

On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that schools need to be more innovative in inculcating a sports culture in line with the 1Student, 1 Sport policy.

While admitting that it would be more difficult for schools without proper infrastructure, he urged the leadership of the schools to "find facilities and ways to promote sports”.