Foreign Workers Score Goals, Steal Hearts In FOMEMA Cup 2026
PETALING JAYA, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Foreign workers in Malaysia did not just score goals on the futsal pitch but also stole hearts as FOMEMA Sdn Bhd hosted its inaugural FOMEMA Foreign Worker Cup 2026 (Futsal Edition) to celebrate teamwork, community spirit and the vital role foreign workers play in the nation’s social fabric.
FOMEMA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohd Afiq Farhan Md Hanif said the tournament, conducted in accordance with the FIFA Futsal Laws, was designed to promote inclusion in addition to the importance of practising a healthy and balanced lifestyle for foreign workers through sport, making futsal the perfect choice for the first edition.
“This tournament is more than just a game. It’s a platform for interaction, unity, and belonging among foreign workers, while sending a message that they are part of our community, and when they are healthy, the community is healthy.
“We also have support from our service providers; they (foreign workers) are also free to ask any questions related to their medical or to their health,” he said to Bernama recently.
Mohd Afiq Farhan added that the event reflects FOMEMA’s wider goal of promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle among foreign workers who also contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s economy, extending the company’s role beyond medical examinations.
He said the response to the tournament had been overwhelmingly positive, prompting organisers to explore the possibility of more sporting activities or introducing different sports in future editions.
For Muhammad Heru Hardiansyah, 25, a player from Medan Pride FC, the tournament was both motivational and emotional.
“I want to thank the organisers of the FOMEMA Foreign Worker Cup 2026. This is the first time we have taken part in such a large-scale event. It is very important to us as foreign workers, and we truly appreciate initiatives like this,” said the Medan-born worker, who has been employed at a Sepang factory for two years," he said.
Medan Pride FC claimed the inaugural championship after a commanding 5-1 victory over Strong Young FC, both teams from Hartalega NGC.
The champions received RM5,000 along with medals, a trophy and certificates, while the runners-up and third-place teams earned RM3,000 and RM1,000 respectively, plus medals and certificates.
The tournament was attended by representatives from FOMEMA’s key stakeholders, including the Health Ministry, Home Minitry as well as government agencies such as the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) and Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB).
The tournament was supported by Pahang Rangers as the Official Kit Partner, KPJ Healthcare as the Official Wellness Partner and Richina as the Official Hydration Partner.
FOMEMA has been appointed by the Health Ministry and the Home Ministry since 1997 to operate the comprehensive Foreign Workers Medical Examination System for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
The company monitors foreign workers’ health to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and enable early detection of non-communicable illnesses through a network of over 5,000 clinics, X-ray facilities, radiologists, and laboratories nationwide.
-- BERNAMA
