Malaysia looks set to have its first purpose-built rugby stadium after a tender was issued for the construction of a 5,000-seat venue.
Malaysia’s national rugby team is without its own stadium. In 2015, Malaysia’s then-Sports Minister detailed plans for a purpose-built venue but these did not come to fruition amid issues surrounding location.
It has now been decided that the stadium will be built in Precinct 13 in Putrajaya, with the New Strait Times newspaper reporting that the project has a budget of RM17m (£3.2m/€3.8m/$4.2m).
Malaysia Rugby honorary secretary Amrul Hazarin Hamidon, who revealed that the Sports Ministry issued the tender last month, said: “We are quite pleased with the location of the stadium as it is in an accessible location. Once they (the Sports Ministry) have decided on the contractor, then work can begin at the site. We, however, have not been informed of any possible completion date for the venue.”
He added: “We have been told that the venue will have a permanent grandstand on one side of the field with room for modular seating on the other sections. The expected (spectator) capacity is 5,000.
“The most important aspect for us is that the stadium meets all the requirements to host international games. We have submitted a wish list to the Sports Ministry in regard to the facilities that we require such as lighting, changing rooms and players’ lounge.
“Having our stadium also means that it would be easier for us to get our (domestic league) matches televised as we can meet the requirements set by the broadcasters.”
Image: Pixabay
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