MNCF torn between two pro outfits for SEA Games road race
With that, the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) will be in a dilemma as they will have to decide whether to continue fielding a combination of professional riders from Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG) and Malaysia Pro Cycling (MPC), or to select only one team in their bid to defend the road race gold for a third consecutive SEA Games.
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The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia can be a top surfing destination in the region, surfers say
Long before Malaysia's surf scene started gaining any attention, local kids were already riding the waves, using boards made out of polystyrene – the same lightweight foam that's no longer widely used now because of environmental concerns. But in the 1980s, it was a treasure, said Emalina Aimi Edris from Persatuan Luncur Ombak Malaysia (Plom). And unlike today's purpose- built leashes, back then a surfboard leash was just a rope tied around the ankle, a simple way to keep the board from floating away (after a wipeout). Plom is a national body that oversees surfing, bodyboarding, and stand-up paddling (or paddle-boarding) in Malaysia. It was founded in 2019 to grow these watersports and nurture local talents. Since then, the association has helped some Malaysian athletes gain international recognition. It has also sent the national team to compete in the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines, in categories such as Men's and Women's Shortboard, and Men's and Women's Longboard. Emalina said Malaysia's tropical weather makes it an ideal spot for surfing. — EMALINA AIMI EDRIS Surf culture in Malaysia, Emalina said, has significantly transformed. 'It has truly evolved, especially when it comes to accessibility.' Previously, surfing in Malaysia was mostly a casual weekend pastime for coastal kids, often without much guidance or formal instruction. That started to change in the late 2000s, when surf schools began to emerge. These schools have opened their doors to more people, offering proper lessons taught by certified instructors. Surfing eventually became a lifestyle for many and a way to connect with the ocean. But Emalina never expected the Covid-19 pandemic to spark an explosion of interest in surfing in Malaysia, though. 'Now, it's all over social media,' she said. Through Plom, she has been working jointly with tourism boards and agencies across the country to help expand what was once a niche sport into a popular activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. For example, the association teamed up with Kelantan's tourism board to host the first-ever surf competition in the state last year. 'It was aimed at boosting tourism during what's commonly known as the off-peak period in the East Coast,' Emalina shared. These events, which welcomed international surfers, have helped put Malaysia on the map as a regional surf destination. What makes the nation especially appealing to surfers is its tropical weather, meaning warm waters all year round. 'You don't have to go through the hassle of putting on a wetsuit,' she explained. 'Our waves also cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned surfers.' The influx of surf schools and students helps local businesses too, from beachside cafes to surf shops and hotels. 'Surfing not only boosts tourism, but also creates jobs and brings communities together,' Emalina said. She added: 'Many local surfers have found new opportunities as certified instructors, while some have even established their own surf schools. Nurain (right) founded her own surf school in Cherating. — NURAIN MAT ISA Nurain Mat Isa, surf instructor 'Patience with nature' Nurain Mat Isa, 35, runs Pink Sunset Surf School in Cherating, Pahang. The passionate surf instructor is on a mission to help others enjoy surfing just like she does. Nurain has been surfing for more than a decade and has taken part in various competitions, including the 2012 Batu Burok Competition (in Terengganu), the Terengganu Surf Cup in 2016, and the Tioman Surf Competition (Pahang) recently. A few years after she started surfing, she decided to get certified as an instructor. Nurain's love for the sport came as a surprise. 'It wasn't something I expected at all,' she recalled. A friend had invited her to watch a surf competition during a semester break. Watching the surfers effortlessly carve through the waves sparked her interest. She tried surfing for the first time at Batu Burok – a spot that still holds a special place for her today, as it was where she fell in love with the sport. Since then, she's spent almost every day in the water, and even travelled to countries like the Maldives, Indonesia, and Thailand to surf. 'The waves there are bigger and the surf culture is strong,' she said. However, she thinks the small surf community in Malaysia 'has its own special charm'. Nurain said that being an instructor is not just about knowing how to surf, and teaching others. 'Surfing is tough because the ocean is unpredictable and always changing,' she said. 'The waves are never the same, and even if you practice every day, there are always new challenges.' Sometimes, she has to cancel or reschedule lessons because of bad weather, like lightning, strong winds, or dangerous currents. For beginners, learning to surf can take months or even years, depending on how much time they spend in the water and how dedicated they are. 'You have to be physically strong and mentally alert,' she said. There are times when she has to get 'creative', Nurain added, specifically when teaching tourists who don't speak Bahasa Malaysia, or can hardly communicate in English. 'I've worked with travellers from China and South Korea, where words aren't always the most effective way to communicate. Instead I rely on hand signals, body language and even visual demonstrations, especially when I'm explaining about safety or techniques. 'I have to make sure they feel comfortable and really understand,' she revealed. It was this passion of sharing her love for surfing that led to her opening her own surf school, but 'turning a dream into a business is never easy'. Since surfing is a seasonal sport in Malaysia (usually from November to March), Nurain organises surf trips to places like Langkawi in Kedah and even Bali, Indonesia to keep the business afloat during off seasons. For Nurain, managing a surf school also means tackling behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly – like maintaining gear. 'Saltwater can be brutal on your surfing gear,' she explained. 'I rinse everything thoroughly after each session because if you don't, it wears things out fast.' Her daily routine includes checking every piece of equipment for wear and tear, making sure it's safe and ready for the next class. Surfboards, in particular, demand extra attention. 'They need to be waxed often to stay in good condition,' she said. Mohd Nazrin is among Malaysia's top three Men's Shortboard surfers. — MOHD NAZRIN NASRUDDIN Mohd Nazrin Nasruddin, athlete 'A serious commitment' At just 30 years old, Mohd Nazrin Nasruddin already has more than two decades of surfing experience under his belt. Currently, he is one of Malaysia's top three Men's Shortboard surfers. Mohd Nazrin grew up in the peaceful beach town of Cherating, where living by the sea naturally led him to surfing. 'I found my groove,' he said. 'It took me less than two weeks to stand on the board at the age of nine – most people take at least a month to (get that right).' From there, it didn't take long before his 'childhood curiosity' turned into serious commitment. As he got older, Mohd Nazrin began competing, receiving professional coaching and building a network of fellow surfers along the way. 'I train every day,' he said. 'The more you practice, the better you get.' The hours of practice, effort and long days spent in the water under the scorching sun have all been worth it. In 2012, Nazrin, representing Malaysia, placed second at the Monsoon Mayhem Surf Competition in Johor, part of the Asian Surfing Championships. 'Standing on the podium with surfers from Indonesia and the Maldives is something I'll never forget.' Additionally, he has taken his skills to waves beyond the Malaysian waters, but the journey wasn't always smooth. Nazrin, recalling his experiences at the 2019 SEA Games and the Maldives' 2023 Asian Surfing Championship, said shallow waters and reef breaks made things tough, even for experienced surfers. He described the condition as dangerous. Surfing over sharp reefs meant that a fall could seriously hurt you. Surfers risk being dragged across razor-sharp corals beneath the surface, he explained. Besides competitions, Mohd Nazrin is often jetting off to destinations like Indonesia and India to simply enjoy surfing there and to keep himself challenged. 'The waves there are bigger, great for testing my skills,' he said. 'In Malaysia, we have to wait for the monsoon season to get good waves.' His family is his biggest inspiration. 'They've always supported me and pushed me to follow my dream.' Moujing (in black) runs a hostel and studio in Sabah. — HANNAH MOUJING Hannah Moujing, corporate-worker-turned-surfer 'Less is more' Five years ago, Hannah Moujing, 30, traded her corporate job for a simpler life by the sea. She realised city life wasn't just stressful, it was also wearing her down. 'I didn't want my manager's life, and I didn't want mine either,' she said. 'I needed room to grow and live at my own pace.' She found that freedom in Cherating. With just a foam surfboard, Moujing took a leap of faith and left her hectic office life for endless surfs and beach bonfires. Now, she not only runs Sesi Tikar Mengkuang Hostel & Studio, but also takes on creative freelance work to sustain herself. 'My life is completely different now,' she said. 'In the city, weekends were just for 'recovery'. Now, I wake up before dawn to surf, check guests in and out, clean, and then surf again at sunset. I feel alive.' As exciting as it sounds, the transition hasn't been easy. She even suffered a broken leg that left her bedridden for two months. But through her hardships, Moujing has learned resilience and reconnected with her roots in Sabah, especially during recent surf trips to Kudat, her hometown. Unlike other surf spots, Kudat – which lies at the tip of the Bornean island – is more laid back and secluded, making it ideal for learning as well. Moujing travels out of the country to surf, too, like to Batu Karas in Indonesia. Yasyka Iskandar Chang, DJ and audio engineer 'A meditative connection' Most people dream of surfing under the sun, but Yasyka Iskandar Chang took things a step further by riding cold waves in winter along France's southern coast. She braved the cold in places like Lacanau, Soustons and Hossegor there. 'The icy wind made everything go numb,' said the 39-year-old surfer who's been surfing for over 15 years. 'Even with a thick wetsuit, my hands, feet, and ears would stiffen from the chill.' Summer waves, too, have their own charm. In Portugal's Algarve, Yasyka surfed along dramatic cliffs with the Atlantic's blue waters beneath her. For her, surfing is about freedom. 'There's an almost meditative connection between you and the sea,' she explained. 'Everything else fades away – no stress, just being present. It's rewarding, a true sense of achievement after the struggles.' She described surfing as playing a musical instrument in harmony with the ocean, tuning into its rhythms and responding to its energy. 'The waves carry many different frequencies, and when you finally sync with them, it feels deeply satisfying, almost like completing a beautiful composition.' Indonesia has also become her regular surf escape. Yasyka loves the peaceful, village vibe of Krui in Sumatra. In contrast, Cimaja in West Java is challenging, with powerful reef breaks. Yasyka's adventures also brought her to Australia's Gold Coast and New South Wales. 'The endless stretch of coastline, dotted with surf spots really made the experience one of a kind,' she said. Back home in Malaysia, she finds joy in Terengganu's Pulau Kapas and Juara Beach in Tioman, Pahang. 'Sabah is next on my list,' she said. 'The surf scene there is growing, and I can't wait to check it out.' Soichi Egashira makes an annual trip to Malaysia to surf and learn about the country. — SOICHI EGASHIRA Soichi Egashira, retiree 'Tropical charm' Japanese surfer Soichi Egashira now makes an annual trip to Malaysia, a personal 'tradition' that started when he first discovered the country's surf-friendly shores a few years ago. Currently residing in Thailand, Egashira, 50, only began his surfing pursuit when he was 43 while still living in Singapore. 'I've always loved the outdoors and had a yearning to explore the ocean more.' He first picked up surfing at a school in Bali, but it was in neighbouring Lombok where he really refined his skill, with a Japanese surf community there. Still, it's Malaysia that keeps drawing him back, particularly Cherating. Egashira discovered the laid-back surf town, thanks to fellow travellers he met in Indonesia, who are now his close friends. 'Cherating is great. The local surf community is what makes it special,' said Egashira, adding that the sunrise views are spectacular. Pulau Redang in Terengganu is another favourite on his list, offering different surf experiences and tropical charm. 'The warm climate here just makes everything feel more relaxed,' he explained.
Barnama
14 hours ago
- Barnama
WUG 2025: Fu Cern Eyes Medal On Debut
From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif ESSEN (Germany), July 16 (Bernama) -- National taekwondo exponent Fu Cern Put Thai is all fired up to fulfil the taekwondo camp's mission of bringing home a medal at the 2025 World University Games (WUG) in Rhine-Ruhr here. The silver medallist at the 2024 ASEAN University Games, who is making his WUG debut, said his main goal is simply to reach the podium, although fully aware of the stiff competition from top university athletes from around the world. bootstrap slideshow The Pasir Mas, Kelantan-born athlete said he is feeling more motivated after training at the competition venue in Messe Essen. 'This is my first time here, and I'm really excited and motivated. After seeing the venue and training here, I feel even more pumped and ready to compete. The atmosphere is very different from events like the SEA Games, and this is my first time competing on the world stage. 'We've been preparing for quite a while. Before coming here, we underwent a two-week centralised training camp in Thailand, which has made me more ready for competition,' said the Universiti Malaya student when met here. Fu Cern, who won gold at the 2024 Malaysia Games in Sarawak, will kick off his campaign in the -58kg kyorugi category this Sunday (July 20) and expects tough competition, especially from South Korean and Thai athletes. 'My target here is to reach the podium; any medal would make me happy. The competition will definitely be intense, but I'll give my best to win,' said Fu Cern, who also won bronze at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. The taekwondo events officially begin tomorrow.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Bala eyes success with young athletes at WUG
On a mission: Balamurugan (fourth from right) with his athletes. PETALING JAYA: M. Balamurugan may no longer be involved in coaching the national team, but he is now banking on his young athletes to shine at the World University Games (WUG) in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, starting today, in a bid to secure automatic qualification for the SEA Games in Thailand in December. The former national sprint coach is counting on Aliff Iman Fahimi, Mohd Raimi Mustaffa Kamal, Mohd Thaqif Hisham, Aidil Azhar Azrul Hisyam and Nurul Aliah Maisarah Nor Azmi to deliver strong performances in this year's competition. Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App. RM 13.90/month RM 9.73 /month Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter. RM 12.39/month RM 8.63 /month Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.
