The Most Valuable Player award (the most prized award for professional football players in the M-League) at the annual 100Plus-Astro Arena-FAM National Football Awards will now be known as the Supermokh MVP award, has been renamed after Mokhtar Dahari in a tribute to the former striker’s legendary displays for Malaysia during his heydays in the 1970s and 1980s.
For 2011, 3 best player (Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and his Kelantan teammate Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Safiq Rahim of Selangor) has been nominated for this award and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha wins this award for the second straight year. He admitted that he wishes to follow in the footsteps of the late Mokhtar Dahari.
NOMINEES:
Best goalkeeper:
Sharbinee Allawee Ramli (Terengganu), Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan), Farizal Marlias (Negri Sembilan)
The state-of-the-art circuit, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) was officially opened on March 9, 1999 by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. It was completed in a record 14 months and with the recognition of its ultramodern facilities, it was given the honour to incorporate the F1 logo in its name.
Sepang International Circuit. Photo courtesy of yanghangat.com
Situated 85km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre, it is accessible via modern North-South Expressway, Railway Links and a network of Highways. Being closely situated to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport makes it an ideal place for world-class international events.
With a length of 5.543 km, the track features 15 turns and 8 straights with access speeds of more than 300km/h. The track allows ample opportunities for overtaking, to ensure a race full of suspense and thrill.
Sepang International Circuit however, isn’t solely a physical facility for Motorsports. In this place called ‘Home of Motorsports’ lies the aspiration of making Malaysia the hub for motor racing activities in the region and a catalyst to spark a new beginning for Malaysia’s motorsports industry.
In all, the track can accommodate up to 130,000 spectators at a time. The Main Grandstands and 18 air-conditioned Corporate Suites have a capacity of 32,000. While Grandstands K and F can fill up to 18,500 spectators facing, turns 1 and 7 respectively.
Sepang racing circuit. Picture courtesy of malaysiangp.com.my
The 1.3 km long double frontage Main Grandstand presents a view of the circuit’s longest straight. The Main Grandstand is constructed along the east-west alignment to ensure shade from the sun’s glare at all times.
The heart of the circuit and focal point is the three-storey Pit Building, facing the Main Grandstand. All the main facilities are housed here with 33 Pits, Race Control Room, Time Keeping Room, luxurious Paddock Clubs and Management Offices.
Facilities. Picture courtesy of malaysiangp.com.my
The administrative block for Sepang International Circuit is the Welcome Centre, which also serves as the gateway to the Main Grandstand. Apart from the offices, it also houses the Sepang Circuit Shoppe, an Automotive Museum and restaurant. The track is electronically linked through a network of fiber optic cabling systems along the track to 27 closed circuit TV cameras, which is centrally monitored at the Race Control Room. Every incident along the 5.543km circuit is recorded by the cameras and will be closely watched by the clerk of the course during events.
Safety is the utmost importance, and for that, Sepang International Circuit has a special block dedicated for its Medical Centre. It is situated next to the Pit Building and during major events, this block will be transformed into a fully equipped miniature hospital.
Activities available at Sepang International Circuit:
Whether you’re looking for your company’s next team-building venue or simply a place to get some adrenaline rush, we are the right place to come to. Speed, strength or skills- test all three with the various activities offered:
Circuit Tour
GO Karting
Driving Experience
Riding Experience
Water Zorbing (Coming soon)
Circuit Tour
Each Tour lasts about 1hour to 1hour 30minutes:
Circuit tour. Picture courtesy of malaysiangp.com.my
Opening Hours
Mondays to Fridays
There are TWO sessions of GUIDED tours daily:
10:00 am to 11:30 am
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays (Starting August 2010)
There are THREE sessions of GUIDED tours daily:
10:00am to 11:30 am
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
*Timing can be customized for corporate bookings /group booking of 20 pax (minimum).
*A minimum booking of 20 pax is required for the Circuit Tour on weekends and public holiday.
Tour Agenda:
Welcome and a brief introduction of Sepang International Circuit at the Welcome Centre.
A Walk through the Mall Area and catch the view from the Main Grandstand >and the iconic Hibiscus Tower.
Experience the behind-the-scene of what makes a race successful at the Paddock Building (Paddock Clubs, Perdana Suites, Media Centre, Race Control and Winners’ Podium)
A Visit to the National Automobile Museum.
A free goodie bag as a token and a chance to buy more souvenirs at the Sepang Merchandise shop.
Note:
Circuit Tour is not available 7 days before, during and after all local and/or major events happening at the circuit due to the safety of our guests and spectators.
Contact us beforehand to check Availability of your desired date for the tour
Please note that the first part of the tour is by car, before continuing by foot. SIC does not provide any transport for guests of the tour. Therefore, Guests are advised to come in their own transport. They would be allowed to bring their car/ taxi/ buses in, after getting an approval from the Security Guards.
Ticket Price
Adult – RM50
Children (12yrs and below) – RM25
Students (with ID) – RM 25
Infants (Below 5 years old) – Free
Group and Agents discount available
*The fee includes the guided tour and a free Goodie Bag
Go Karting
Go karting. Picture courtesy of malaysiangp.com.my
You arrive and go for a ‘Free & Easy’ karting on our track for 10 minutes. No frills!
200cc 4 stroke Engine 6.5 horsepower
On average, 7-8 laps can be achieved in 10 minutes
Best lap – 1:03 seconds
Price: RM 40 per pax/ 10 minutes.
*For this package, walk-ins are allowed but we suggest checking with us first by calling 03-8778 2283 as there might be private bookings at your chosen time.
2. Race Adventure
Designed like a Formula One race, one gets to experience a “Race Feel” via the practice, qualifying and Final rounds.
200cc 4 stroke Engine 6.5 horsepower
Minimum number for booking: 10 pax
Takes about 45 minutes- 1 hour
Maximum number of karts on the track at one time to race :18
Includes Race Management and Timekeeping
Price: RM 150 per pax
Driving Experience
Driving experience at Sepang International Circuit. Picture courtesy of malaysiangp.com
If you would like to Drive on the Sepang International Track, here is how:
TRACK DAYS
Bring Your OWN CAR and join us for Our Track Days. The only place where you can test your car to its limits, in a safe perimeter!
Sepang Circuit Track Days
Notice:
Pirelli (Bike) will now be selling slick tyres to those taking part in the SIC Track days. The price is MYR 950.00 per set, and the same terms for returning tyre carcass applies.Interested track goers can make their payments for the tyres at SIC operation office and proceed with the receipt to the Pirelli garage for tyre installation. The removal/installation service fee is MYR 100.00
Looking for a place to test your car or bike? Sepang Circuit organises track days on most weekends (subject to circuit availability) to cater for the high request for personal track usage.
**Important Announcement**
Starting from December 2010, it is compulsory for riders (for bikes TD) to be equipped with leather riding suit, proper boots and helmet before entering the track.
OPEN TRACK DAY
CARS
BIKES
RM300.00 per session.
RM150.00 for Bikes above 400cc RM100.00 for Bikes below 400cc.
SINGLE SLOT PRACTICE SESSION
CARS
BIKES
RM300.00 per session.
RM200.00 for per session.
Any make/model cars or bike will be allowed to participate for the track day. It may be an extensively modified Supra, or could be a classic VW Beetle, it will still be allowed on the track.
Our only requirements is that the engine is not leaking oil, and that the car meets our national safety code (i.e. seat belts in working condition, brakes working).
For more information on driving experience track, visit MalaysianGP.com.my
SIC can personalize an event day for you and package the activities as needed.
Mokhtar Dahari (1953 – 1991) was one of the iconic footballer’s of the 1970s, and one of Malaysia’s most legendary strikers. He became one of the best players in Asia in the 1970s. Mokhtar showed interest in playing football at an early age when his family moved to Kampung Pandan, Setapak at the age of 11. He played for his school and later for his home state, Selangor FA.
Arwahyarham Mokhtar Dahari
He was only nineteen years old when he first played for the Malaysia national football team in an international game. Mokhtar helped Selangor FA win the Malaysia Cup 10 times and scored 177 goals altogether. In international games, Internationally, he scored 125 goals in 167 appearances for the Malaysian team, including matches in the Asian Games, Pre Olympic Games and Pre World Cup.
He was nicknamed SuperMokh because of his playing skills, his strength and his ability to score many incredible goals throughout his career. The Merdeka Stadium was his second home amidst roars of “SuperMokh” from the young generation who worshipped him. Along with goalkeeper R Arumugam, defenders Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun, midfielders Reduan Abadullah and Shukor Salleh and Mokhtar’s partner up front, Isa Bakar, the Selangor FA and Malaysia national football team were a force to be reckoned with in the 70′s.
One of Mokhtar’s famous moment was when Mokhtar Dahari shook hands with Diego Maradona before a friendly game with Boca Juniors.
Mokhtar Dahari was changing souvenir with Diego Maradona at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
His first international appearance for Malaysia against Sri Lanka was in the 1972 Jakarta Anniversary Tournament. Mokhtar won his 100th cap for the Malaysian national team when he played in a Merdeka Football Tournament match against Japan in 1976.
In 1975, Mokhtar represented the Malaysian national football team against English giants Arsenal F.C. Malaysia won 2-0, with Mokhtar scoring both goals. It was rumoured that he received an offer to play for the Gunners. He also famously scored a goal almost single-handedly, in a 1-1 draw against England’s national team’s B Team in 1978. Mokhtar has also donned the national colours more than 150 times, including the Asian Games, Pre-Olympic Games, Pre-World Cup, and Asian Cup finals among others.
In those years, Malaysian football was at its best and players like Mokhtar made the game an interesting watch. His mobility and speed, flexibility and the ability to unleash sudden powerful shots with both his feet enthralled supporters and fans. Crowds would gather at the Merdeka Stadium to watch this spectacular “Number 10” and it was not uncommon to hear roars of “Super Mokh” rippling through the crowd during a match.
After winning the Malaysia Cup for his home-state Selangor and being crowned the Best Player in the Merdeka Cup of 1986, Mokhtar decided to retire from his illustrious football career. He came out of retirement in January the following year to play one more season for Selangor FC, much to the delight of his fans.
MOKHTAR DAHARI BIOGRAPHY
Date of Birth: 13 November 1953
Place of Birth: Setapak, Selangor (Now in Kuala Lumpur)
Mother’s Name: Aminah Binti Sharikan
Father;s Name: Dahari Abeng
Father’s Occupation: lorry driver
Secondary School: Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur
Wife’s Name: Zarina Binti Ibrahim
Eldest daughter’s name: Nur Azera Mohd Mokhtar
Eldest Son’s Name: Mohd Reza Mohd Mokhtar
Youngest Daughter’s Name: Nur Arina Mohd Mokhtar
AN EXCLUSIVE INRTERVIEW WITH SUPERMOKH
Below are an exclusive interview session within The Seladang Editorial Board and “SuperMokh” at his home, on 1982
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“How did you get into V.I.?”.
SuperMokh:
“It’s a rather long story, but I’ll cut it short. You see, I entered V.I. in Form One. It was 1966 then. I stayed there for about four years till 1970. Actually I never expected to go to V.I.”
But since he was active in school sports in his primary days that was probably one of the reasons why he was selected.
As someone who enjoys sporting activities and who has wide interests, SuperMokh was not only in the V.I football team but also in its rugby team besides playing hockey, basketball and swimming for his House.
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“Life must have been fun, being a known figure in school?”
SuperMokh:
“No, not exactly. I wasn’t really known at that time as there were other prominent personalities to compete against, like the school athletes, for example. Were we taken aback! But I got by. Fame never comes easy, as the saying goes.”
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“Then how did you get into the limelight?”
SuperMokh:
“Well, that came only after I left school. It was during a trial play with the Selangor Junior Squad at the Piala Razak Tournament. Later, my manager, Mr M J Vincent, recommmended that I join the senior squad and from then everything started coming my way.”
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“Was it then that you got into the Selangor team?”
SuperMokh:
“Yes it was. It was 1972. I’ll always remember the year as it was during that year I was chosen for the Malaysia A Team after my splendid performance in Jakarta while in the B Team.
The Seladang Editorial Board:
What about your school days? What was the training like?”.
SuperMokh:
“Well, the truth is that I was just an average player. My position was left wing striker. Even now I feel that the training methods of my school days were very raw. There weren’t any qualified coaches at all. But Cikgu Othman Mohd Ali, our school coach, was really something. Though he taught us only from experience, he was very good. We were very disciplined and individual fitness was maintained. Sometimes we even had centralized training when we had to stay in the school!”
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“But the parents!. Didn’t they ever object to all this?”
SuperMokh:
“Naturally. But they accepted it later on. They let nature take its course.”
SuperMokh told The Seladang Editorial Board more about the V.I. besides sports, football and training. He remembered the prefects well enough to have vivid memories of them.
SuperMokh:
“They were a strict bunch. They even warned me for having my bicycle modified. I was sent to detention class, once or twice, I think, where I had to polish hinges. Well, that was swell enough for me!. My worse experience was when I failed two subjects and the report card given out on the same day that I was supposed to play against R.M.C. in the finals. But a couple of whacks from the Headmaster was enough to put some fire into my playing. We won the match as expected.”
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“What about your most memorable experience? Could it be any better than your worse,” we asked inquisitively.
SuperMokh:
“My most memorable experience was, of course, the solitary goal I helped to score in the 1970 Laxamana Cup against the MCKK. This is one more of the things I’ll always remember.
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“Haven’t you thought of coaching?” we asked.
SuperMokh:
“Coaching? Actually I was asked a few years back to coach the V.I. football team but because of my commitments and job, I’d rather leave it to Mr Rajasingam, who I personally think is very good.”
The Seladang Editorial Board:
“Mokhtar, after all this talk about football and school, what about yourself? Do you mind telling us?”
SuperMokh:
“Of course not! For a start, I’m an Executive Officer at PKNS, I am the Selangor State Football Captain and also the National Football Captain. At times I think these are too much for me but I get by like I used to, thanks to my own strategies and to my wife, Tengku Zarina and her encouragement. There was one time when I was asked to play for some other countries but I turned down the offer. I like listening to sentimental tunes, especially those of Air Supply and The Alley Cats. Lastly I would like to say that I’m proud to be a Victorian and may it be wiser every day.”
MOKHTAR DAHARI’S ACHIEVEMENTS (HIGHLIGHTS):
1972 - Jakarta Anniversary Tournament [Represented Malaysia for the first time]
1975 - Asian Games in Teheran [Bronze medal]
1975 - Friendly match with Arsenal FC, [Malaysia won 2-0, scored both goals]
1976 - Merdeka Football Tournament [Won 100th cap for Malaysia], Malaysia Cup [Champions]
1977 - Sportsman of the Year award
1979 - SEA Games, Jakarta [Gold medal]
1982 - Led Selangor FA in a friendly against Boca Juniors (captain: Diego Maradona)
THE DEATH
Mokhtar began having throat problems and went to the hospital to find out what the problem was. Doctors diagnosed him as having Motor Neurone Disease (MND). According to his wife, his condition was told only to Mokhtar and his wife. Mohktar went to London with his wife in an attempt to cure his condition.
The press later claimed that Mokhtar was diagnosed with Muscular dystrophy, a rumour that convinced a lot of people.
After 3 years battling the disease, Mokhtar died at Subang Jaya Medical Centre. The press, believing that Mokhtar died of Muscular Dystrophy, reported Mokhtar’s suffering from Muscular Dystrophy and his subsequent death. This caused a confusion about how he died.
His story and the cause of his death was later revealed for the first time in a documentary “The Untold Truth About Supermokh,” on The National Geographic Channel on August 30, 2010, featuring Mokhtar’s friends and family. It was confirmed that Mokhtar died at the age 37 of Motor neurone disease (Later to be revealed by Mokhtar’s wife) at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) at 8:25 am on 11 July 1991. His body was laid to rest at Taman Keramat Permai Muslim Cemetery, Bukit Permai.
Source and picture courtesy of: Hall Of Fame, The Seladang and Wikipedia.
Video courtesy of: Youtube, National Geographic and koalacute.
