KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Karate Federation (Makaf) should step up and support karate centres nationwide that are struggling with inadequate training facilities, said sports analyst Sadek Mustaffa.
The senior sports science lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara made these comments following the partial demolition of a karate training centre by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office in Taman Sri Sinar, Segambut, on August 7.
Speaking to Scoop, Sadek said that Makaf should not remain silent on issues involving athletes’ training facilities, especially when the governing body receives an annual allocation from the Youth and Sports Ministry.
While the exact allocation Makaf receives remains undisclosed, the sports ministry reportedly funds approximately RM1 million for Makaf-sanctioned tournaments, including last year’s 19th Asian Karate Championships in Melaka.
The ministry also supported the governing body through the establishment of an athlete development centre in Melaka this year, alongside plans to open six academies across the country.
“To be honest, this issue (Taman Sri Sinar) is not something new. Problems like these have been happening for many years, with athletes from other states having to travel far to train due to a lack of proper facilities.
“In fact, these issues are not limited to karate but also affect other sports like taekwondo. With the latest incident at Taman Sri Sinar, Makaf should have realised they have a bigger role to play instead of just washing their hands of the matter.
“Makaf has to create partnerships with local state governments and ensure that proper facilities are provided to these centres. Even sponsoring a few dojo mats would make a significant difference.
“As the governing body, they have a larger responsibility than just relying on the National Sports Council to bring the best athletes to tournaments.
“On top of that, it’s disappointing that the ministry has not responded to issues like these, given how much karate has contributed to the country. However, we can’t place all the blame on the ministry, as Makaf should be the first to react. The ministry is unlikely to intervene if the national sports body stays silent,” Sadek said when contacted.
The Taman Sri Sinar centre, reportedly in operation for over three decades, gained public attention after a viral video showed a large crowd attempting to prevent the demolition.
Some individuals appealed to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for intervention, while young Kelantan karate exponents preparing for this year’s Sukma questioned where they would now train.
Sadek also believes that introducing social enterprises in sports could resolve long-term issues in community sports like karate.
Social enterprises leverage sports to address social issues, generate revenue and reinvest profits into the community with a mission to create social impact.
For example, Street League in the United Kingdom uses football to tackle youth unemployment by offering a structured programme that combines football training with employability workshops, helping young people gain the skills and confidence needed to secure jobs.
“By introducing the concept of social enterprise for community-based sports like karate, we could also create many job opportunities for those involved in the sport,” Sadek added. – August 22, 2024