The demise of Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis is a big loss to national equestrian sports, say Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said Jamaluddin, who had been the president of the Equestrian Association of Malaysia since 2001, had made many substantial contributions to the sports, including with the organisation of international equestrian sports in the show jumping and endurance categories.

"His death is not only felt by the equestrian community but also the entire sports community," he told a press conference held after launching the Kuala Langat Parliamentary Sports League here today.

Also present was Kuala Langat Umno division head, Datuk Sulaiman Mohd Karli.

Jamaluddin died when the helicopter he was travelling in with five others, including the pilot, crashed in a rubber estate in Kampung Sungai Pening, Semenyih at 4.55 pm yesterday.

[PHOTO GALLERY]:
Jamaluddin Jarjis laid to rest at National Mosque

Commenting on the cooperation between the Badminton Association of Malaysia and the Indonesian Badminton Association, Khairy said the cooperation was more an exchange of experience in the training of young players.

"With the cooperation, young Malaysian players will play in local matches in Indonesia and vice-versa.

"I believe such exposure will improve the quality of young national players than if they only played in local games," he said.