Ministry of Education Malaysia has launched the 1 Student 1 Sports (1M1S) on June 9,

2011. Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mahmud said that the policy requires that each student participate in
at least one sports activity in schools. The main goal 1M1S policy implementation is to develop
human capital through extensive participation among students in primary and secondary school
in sporting activities undertaken during the year. In addition, 1M1S policy is to promote sports
culture among school children to become productive members of society to adopt healthy and
active lifestyle.

To meet these principles 1M1S implementation, each school must use the approach based
on existing ability such as facilities, equipment, time and number of teachers and pupils
involved. The implementation of such policies also need to consider the following principles
which require the involvement of students year 4 to year 6 in primary schools, and students from
Form 1 to Form 6 in secondary schools. However, students of Pre-School to Year 3 are
encouraged to participate in this program based on school ability. Pupils can also participate in
more than one sport in the ability and sports offered by the school. 1M1S is the basis for the
implementation subjects of physical education and health in school quality. All the resources for
physical education subjects must also be used in 1M1S program. Preferred aspect of the
implementation 1M1S is active participation by all students in sports activities. Parents and
outside agencies are encouraged to contribute to the development of school sports. It is
undeniable that the implementation of this 1M1S policy brought many benefits to the country in
the short term and so rewarding for the long term.

Some students only concerned with excellence in academics and he did not want to be
involved directly in any sporting activity. They feel that sports activities are only wasting time. It
is better for them to fill up their free time studying, group discussions or attend tuition classes.
Recently the Ministry of Education has introduced 1 student 1 sport at
school levels. How could this help to develop exercise habits among school
children? Discuss.

For such people, they just want to compete with their peers in the field of purely academic. They
do not realize that sports activities are also important for individual excellence. Thus, with this
1M1S Policy will provide access to students who have less or not active in sports to participate
actively in at least one sport. Indirectly, the National Education Philosophy which has
strategically aimed towards a balanced human capital from the four aspects of personal
development that is physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development can also be
achieved.

School children should be made aware of the needs of sport for their health care. They
should know that at this time, more and more members of the community who have health
problems because of the neglect of their sports activities in daily life. Their reasoning is because
they are too busy with various other matters. As a result, the numbers of Malaysians who are
suffering in obesity are rising every year. In the year 2011, it was reported that Malaysians be the
most suffering from obesity among ASEAN countries. Thus, the implementation of this 1M1S
policy was timely in order to form an active Malaysian society and adopt a healthy lifestyle by
practicing sports culture. Awareness of the importance to practice this sport culture must be
nurtured since childhood. Sports activities are very important to improve physical fitness as well
as protect the health of each individual.

Natural habits of children are like to play. However, the problem now is the lack of a
suitable place for them to play, especially for children who live in residential areas. This
phenomenon has changed the interest of children against the outdoor games and make them the
person who is not active in sports. Instead, they are more inclined to play the video game. Thus,
by the implementation of the 1M1S in school that requires the participation of each student can
provide opportunities for children to realize their interest in sports. Opportunity for training at
least once a week also fosters the exercise habits among the children.

We can also cultivate exercise habits by giving the best examples of success on the
national athletes like Datuk Nicol Ann David and Lee Chong Wee at the international level.
Their success can be an inspiration to the students to succeed in sports. So, 1M1S can be a path
towards excellence by providing opportunities for all students who have talent and potential in
the sport to be polished to a higher level. Pupils may participate in more than one sport in the
ability of students and the capabilities and the consent of the school. We do not want to waste
precious asset that we have. Without being forced and trained, the talent and potential of a
student will be in vain. As we know, at this time, sport is one of the important activities. Sports
can be a glamorous career and lucrative. They are considered as ambassadors to raise the
country's image internationally.

In conclusion, the implementation 1M1S bring many benefits for school children in our
country. Therefore, all parties should giving encouragement to the school children to participate
in all sporting activities organized by the school in connection with 1M1S Policy. In the
meantime, the schools must adequately perform this 1M1S policy so that all the goals and
objectives will be achieved. This is because the implementation of this policy also supports the
goals of the National Education Philosophy aims to produce individuals who are balanced in
terms of physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual. 1M1S policy is also in line with the Prime
Minister of Malaysia, Dato 'Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak in upholding the spirit of 1
Malaysia which expects that students participation in sports as a platform to the unity of the
people in this country as well as create a healthy, active, dynamic and productive generations.















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