Ministry of Youth and Sports to Allocate RM4.6 Million for Football Pitch Upgrading Projects in 10 States
The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYSPA) is expected to resolve the issue of poor quality football pitches used for the Malaysia League (M-League) by allocating RM4.6 million to 10 states for upgrading projects. The allocation is aimed at improving the quality of matches and the league, following a change in the M-League calendar that necessitated matches to be held during the rainy season.
States to Receive Upgrading Grants
Eight states, including Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka, will each receive the full allocation of RM500,000 for the upgrading of the drainage system and replacement of grass at their stadiums. Two other states, Perlis and Kedah, will each receive only RM300,000 for work to upgrade their drainage system.
States that Do Not Qualify for Grants
Four other states, Johor, Sabah, Penang, and Sarawak, will not receive any allocation. Johor, however, has already been deemed to have a pristine-condition stadium, while Sabah and Penang do not require upgrading of the drainage system or replacement of grass. Sarawak had asked for a postponement of the project due to the ongoing 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Implementation Timeline and Monitoring
Hannah Yeoh, the Minister of Youth and Sports, stressed that the upgrading works must be completed by next June. The ministry will also conduct regular audits to ensure that the states use the allocated funds according to the scope set, avoiding any disruption to their football team’s league assignments.
FAIR Use of Funds
The minister emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to improve the quality of matches and the league. She urged the states to take the issue seriously and use the funds wisely, stating, "If you have received the money to replace the cow grass used on their pitch, then do it. We will also carry out audits to ensure that, if they receive RM300,000 to upgrade the drainage system, they cannot spend just RM100,000 for it and keep the remaining RM200,000 for other purposes."
Background to the Initiative
The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), recently raised the issue of poor quality football pitches after a Super League match between JDT and Perak at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh was postponed due to the poor pitch conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the allocation of RM4.6 million for the upgrading of football pitches in 10 states is a step in the right direction to improve the quality of matches and the league. The ministry’s initiative is expected to address the issue of poor quality football pitches, which has been a concern for the football community.
FAQs
Q: Which states will receive the full grant of RM500,000 for the upgrading of the drainage system and replacement of grass?
A: Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka.
Q: Which states will receive only RM300,000 for work to upgrade their drainage system?
A: Perlis and Kedah.
Q: Which states do not qualify for the grant?
A: Johor, Sabah, Penang, and Sarawak.