WITH a RM500,000 allocation to build pickleball courts in Johor, the state government has expressed confidence that the popularity of the recreational sport will grow.
Johor youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz made the announcement during the tabling of the 2025 state budget.
Mohd Hairi said this in his reply to Azizul Bachok (BN-Tiram), who had asked about the state government’s initiative to introduce non-mainstream sports to schools, at the Johor state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar.
He added that pickleball merged elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong and was gaining global popularity.
“Pickleball is a sport created in 1965 by three Americans who wanted to have a family-friendly game,” he said.
According to Mohd Hairi, its simple rules enable pickleball to be easily played by everyone regardless of their age or skill level.
He said the sport also had international competitions such as the Asia Pickleball Open held in Phuket, Thailand.
Malaysia had sent 46 players who won nine medals at the competition.
“Selangor has listed pickleball for the 2026 Malaysia Games,” he added.
Mohd Hairi said the construction of pickleball courts under the Johor Stadium Corporation was also to ensure that facilities were used to maximise revenue collection.
He added that the state government would continue to provide assistance in nurturing sporting talents.
“Recreational sports can make a positive impact or provide a good objective.
“Through the Xtif Johor agenda, recreational sports can be supported for locals to practise a healthy lifestyle,” Mohd Hairi said.
