JERANTUT: The Youth and Sports Ministry has promised to assist the Selangor state government to repair the Shah Alam Stadium which was damaged by heavy downpour on Thursday.
Its Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he has instructed the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali to inspect the damages and rectify the problem soon.
"I know the state government is facing problems with funds and the stadium is among the venues for the Sea Games.
"There are no issues about the state being an opposition government. This is about professionalism," he told reporters after opening the Jerantut Umno division Wanita, Puteri and Youth meeting at the district council hall here today.
The stadium had parts of its roof blown off by strong wind following heavy rain during the friendly match between the Malaysian Under-22 team against Myanmar Under-22 on Thursday.
The incident forced the match to be suspended for several minutes.
It was estimated that repair works could cost around RM1 million for the venue, which is also set to host the upcoming Sea Games football matches.
Khairy said the ministry had previously received an application from the Selangor government to conduct repair works at the stadium but there was no immediate need at the time of the request.
"At that time, there was no problem but after the recent match and damages on the roof, we feel the request has to be immediately looked into," he said.
On Friday, Selangor State Executive Councillor of Youth Development and Sports Amirudin Shari said they will need the assistance of the ministry to repair the Shah Alam Stadium.