The rivalry between JDT and Perak is built on a combination of historical significance, regional pride, and contrasting fortunes in Malaysian football .In the landscape of Malaysian football, few rivalries can match the intensity and prestige of the encounters between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Perak FA. These two clubs have long been among the most storied in the Malaysian football scene, with their matches providing plenty of drama, high-quality football, and fierce competition. To understand the significance of this rivalry, it’s essential to explore the history, the clubs’ contrasting fortunes, and the passionate fanbases that make every encounter between JDT and Perak so special.
The Clubs: A Tale of Two Football Giants
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT)
Founded in 1921, Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) has become the most dominant and successful football club in Malaysia in recent years. Based in Johor Bahru, the capital of the state of Johor, JDT was originally known as Johor FC before being rebranded in 2012 to its current name, following a major restructuring aimed at elevating the club’s stature. The rebranding was part of a broader plan spearheaded by the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, who has invested heavily in the club’s development.
The club’s financial backing, coupled with ambitious leadership and the establishment of the Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium (commonly known as the Larkin Stadium), has turned JDT into a powerhouse of Southeast Asian football. Over the last decade, JDT has won multiple Malaysia Super League (MSL) titles, making them the most successful team in the competition’s history during that period. JDT’s domestic dominance is also reflected in their triumphs in tournaments like the Malaysia FA Cup, the Malaysia Cup, and the AFC Cup, where they’ve represented Malaysia at an international level with pride.
JDT’s success on the pitch is often attributed to the club's investment in quality foreign players and experienced coaching staff, including the notable presence of Benjamin Mora and the Argentine coach Luciano Galleti. Their attacking prowess, underpinned by stars like Darren Lok, Safawi Rasid, and Junior Eldstal, has made them a formidable force in Malaysian football.
Perak FA
Perak FA, founded in 1921 as well, is one of Malaysia's oldest and most respected football clubs. The club is based in Ipoh, the capital of the state of Perak, and is known for its passionate fanbase, who call themselves The Bos Gaurus. Perak’s history is filled with proud achievements, though in recent years, the club has struggled to maintain the level of success it once enjoyed.
Perak enjoyed periods of dominance in Malaysian football, with notable success in the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup. Their most significant period of success came in the 1990s and early 2000s, but since then, the club has faced challenges in competing with the financial muscle and star power of teams like JDT.
Despite these struggles, Perak has maintained a loyal fanbase, and their matches often feature a gritty, determined style of football that is beloved by the people of Ipoh and beyond. While they may not be as dominant as JDT in recent years, Perak remains one of the respected clubs in the Malaysian league, with a rich tradition and a fierce determination to rise again.
The Rivalry: Intensity and Passion
The rivalry between JDT and Perak is built on a combination of historical significance, regional pride, and contrasting fortunes in Malaysian football. While both teams were founded in the same year, the rivalry gained its edge primarily in the 2010s, as JDT began its rise to prominence, and Perak, though competitive, found themselves overshadowed by the financial strength and star power of their southern rivals.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
Malaysia Super League (MSL) Encounters
Over the years, JDT and Perak have faced off in numerous high-stakes matches in the Malaysia Super League. JDT’s superior financial backing and talent have often given them the upper hand, but Perak’s resilience and determined play have made these encounters fiercely contested. In 2015, when JDT secured the league title, Perak managed to hold them to a 2-2 draw at Larkin Stadium, showcasing that even in an era of JDT’s dominance, Perak could still make an impact.2018 Malaysia Cup Final
One of the most memorable moments in recent history came in the 2018 Malaysia Cup final, when Perak FA managed to hold Johor Darul Ta'zim to a draw and subsequently won the competition after a penalty shoot-out. This win was a remarkable achievement for Perak and highlighted their ability to compete with even the most financially robust teams in the league. The game, played at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, saw Perak’s goalkeeper, Khairulazhan Khalid, become the hero in a tense penalty shootout, leading to wild celebrations in Ipoh.2019 AFC Cup Group Stage
The AFC Cup is another stage where these two clubs have had their moments in the spotlight. In the group stages of the 2019 AFC Cup, JDT dominated their group but Perak’s performances in the tournament showed their resilience. The contest between these clubs on the international stage added a layer of competition, as JDT sought to represent Malaysia’s elite in the continental competition, while Perak fought to prove their worth on the same stage.Controversial Matches and Heated Rivalries
The rivalry has also been marked by controversy and heated encounters. In certain matches, the intensity of competition has spilled over into physical confrontations on the pitch, with red cards, fouls, and verbal exchanges adding to the drama. These elements have only served to fuel the rivalry between the clubs, with supporters from both sides eagerly anticipating these encounters.
Current State of the Rivalry
Today, JDT remains the dominant force in Malaysian football, with an enviable roster of top players and coaches, as well as the financial power to secure international stars. However, Perak’s tradition and fighting spirit mean they are always capable of providing a challenge. As of 2023, JDT continues to claim the league title year after year, with Perak struggling to find consistency in their squad.
Yet, the rivalry remains relevant, especially for Perak fans who hold onto the hope that one day their team will return to their former glory and give JDT a real challenge at the top of the table. JDT’s invincible-like dominance in the domestic scene has perhaps made the rivalry even more important to Perak fans, as it symbolizes not just a clash of teams, but a clash of aspirations — one club looking to retain its place as the dominant force, while the other looks to restore its former prestige.
Fan Culture and Impact
One of the defining features of the JDT vs Perak rivalry is the passionate fanbases that each club boasts. The JDT ultras, known as Southern Tigers, are famous for their relentless support of their team. With their elaborate displays, chants, and unwavering loyalty, they create an electric atmosphere at Larkin Stadium that often rattles opposing teams. The club’s international success has also helped cultivate a fanbase that extends beyond Malaysia, with Southern Tigers supporters scattered across Southeast Asia.
Perak’s Bos Gaurus fan group, while not as large in numbers as JDT’s, are known for their deep-rooted loyalty to the club. The energy at Perak's home matches at Ipoh Stadium is palpable, with the fans generating a hostile environment for visiting teams. The underdog mentality of Perak’s supporters adds a unique flavor to the rivalry, as they continue to dream of a return to their former glory.
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Defines Malaysian Football
The rivalry between Johor Darul Ta'zim and Perak is more than just a football contest; it’s a clash of culture, ambition, and history. JDT, with their modern-day dominance and financial might, represent the epitome of professional football in Malaysia, while Perak, with their rich legacy and battling spirit, remain a symbol of the heart and soul of Malaysian football.
Whether in the league, domestic cup competitions, or continental tournaments, the rivalry will continue to produce moments of drama, passion, and unforgettable football. For fans of both clubs, each match between JDT and Perak is not just about three points, but about pride, history, and the deep love for the game that both teams embody.
