KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is calling all states to action: upgrade the main stadiums by taking advantage of the RM500,000 grant which the Federal government has allocated to each state.
The proposal, which was announced in January, was affirmed through yesterday’s Coordination Meeting of the Minister/State Youth Development and Sports Exco No. 1/ 2024 which was chaired by the minister Hannah Yeoh at Menara KBS.
It said the project to upgrade a stadium picked as the main venue is to lay the groundwork for the Malaysia League (M-League) football season, in addition to ‘water-proofing’ the pitch, to ensure the football field has good drainage with no stagnation or flooding during rainy spells.
“A state government that has agreed needs to commit to a number of things, which is to determine the choice of stadium after getting the views of the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
“RM300,000 from the allocation is to upgrade the field drainage system and use the services of a reputable contractor which meets the standards outlined by MFL,” said KBS in a statement today.
RM200,000 of the allocation should be used to upgrade the pitch by changing from cowgrass to fine-blade grass, whereupon Zeon Zoysia is advocated.
In the meantime, the meeting also suggested that the state government discuss with the respective local authorities (PBT) the review of the licence fee rates charged for sports-related premises, especially gymnasiums and snooker centres.
This is to promote the sports industry by reducing the operating costs incurred.
It also touched on an amendment of the content of the Safe Sports Code by including a new element, which is the prohibition of smoking, including electronic cigarettes (vapes), during a sporting activity.
“Individuals or organisations involved in business related to electronic cigarette (vape) products are not allowed to organise, sponsor, promote, advertise, sell, give as gifts, or place a trademark in any organisation of a sports event or conduct sports and youth activities,” KBS said.
— Bernama
