KUALA LUMPUR: It has been a long wait but Malaysian rugby fraternity’s dream of having a dedicated rugby stadium to call home will materialise soon.
Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman confirmed yesterday that the government has agreed to build the stadium and allocated RM17 million for the project.
Initially, the stadium was planned to be built in Putrajaya but it was then changed to the Kuala Lumpur Sports City (KLSC) in Bukit Jalil. However, it has now been moved back to Putrajaya.
“After years of delay in regard to building a national rugby stadium, the government has finally agreed to approve an allocation of RM17 million to the Sports Ministry for this cause," said Syed Saddiq in a media statement.
"The stadium will be built in Precint 14, Putrajaya on 16 acres (of land). Physical work at the site is expected to begin in November.
"This allocation will cover the construction of two rugby fields, built in accordance to tournament specifications, with floodlights rated at 1,200 lux, changing room and other facilities.”
The national rugby squad had previously used the Petaling Jaya Stadium and since last year, the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil as their home ground.