KUALA LUMPUR — Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom is set to be named Johor’s latest sports icon as the state government ramps up support for the national track cyclist’s continued rise on the international stage.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi confirmed the recognition today, saying Shah would join an elite group that includes national badminton great Datuk Lee Chong Wei, All Blacks rugby star Sonny Bill Williams, and former Everton and Australia footballer Tim Cahill.
The announcement comes as part of Johor’s wider commitment to back the Muar-born cyclist’s training and development, with plans for a dedicated allocation to ensure he receives world-class support.
“We will, insyaAllah, provide an appropriate allocation to make sure he gets the best, including in terms of development and training,” Onn Hafiz said during the launch of the Madani Rakyat Programme, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Toppen Shopping Centre today, Bernama reported.
“We also pray that he will be the first Malaysian to win an Olympic gold medal,” he added.
Shah Firdaus, 29, was the only Malaysian rider to qualify for the keirin final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he finished sixth. He also claimed a silver medal in the keirin at the 2019 Asian Track Cycling Championships in Jakarta.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and other Johor state leaders were also present at the event. — May 23, 2025