PUTRAJAYA: The Sports Ministry has allocated RM4.6 million in grants for the upgrade of football pitches in 10 states.
The programme is expected to be completed before June, 2025, in time for the start of the 2025-26 M-League season.
Each state will get RM500,000, with RM300,000 for drainage improvements and RM200,000 for improving grass quality.
However, three states - Johor, Sabah and Penang - have opted out of the programme.
Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh explained that Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is already in "immaculate condition", while Sabah and Penang had previously stated that they would not join in as they were satisfied with the facilities at Likas Stadium and City Stadium, respectively.
"They feel their current stadiums are sufficient, and there's no need to change the grass as required under the grant, which specifies zeon zoysia, bermuda, or equivalent. Some states may be concerned about the higher maintenance costs associated with these grass types compared to cow grass, which may not be financially feasible for them," Yeoh said today.
Of the 10 participating states, eight - Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka - have received the RM500,000 allocation. Sarawak has requested for a postponement until after completing its hosting duties for the Malaysia Games.
Yeoh said the Sports Ministry will conduct follow-up checks next week on the programme.
"We've disbursed the funds to the facilities owners, but I'm not sure if there's clear communication between state executives and the facilities management. These are the appointed stadiums for the M-League, and we urge them to take their responsibilities seriously."
Yeoh said that once the states have accepted the funds, they must comply with the grant's terms, including the specified grass upgrades.
"Some want to retain their cow grass or divert the funds for other uses like toilet upgrade, which we will not allow. We will review their progress, and if they cannot meet the requirements, the grant will be revoked."
Yeoh said the primary goal of the project is to prevent match delays due to poor pitch conditions, and she cited recent match postponements that resulted in unnecessary costs for travel, lodging, and other logistics.