KUALA LUMPUR — The newly upgraded Darul Makmur Stadium will require a minimum of RM2.1 million annually for full maintenance.
This follows a recent RM1.6 million investment to replace the stadium’s cow grass playing surface with Bermuda Tifgrand turf.
The pitch was installed and enhanced by local contractor RS Greenmaster (M) Sdn Bhd in compliance with FIFA’s stringent standards.
Funding for the RM1.6 million project came from the Youth and Sports Ministry (RM500,000) and the Pahang state government (RM1.1 million).
Speaking to Scoop, Pahang Communications, Multimedia, Youth, Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisations committee chairman, Fadzli Mohamad Kamal, said the initial maintenance budget was estimated at between RM250,000 and RM300,000, but this figure may rise depending on the stadium’s condition and its impact on the pitch.
Darul Makmur Stadium, built in 1973, does not have a roof to protect the pitch from intense sunlight and heavy rainfall.
However, the upgraded pitch now includes an underground drainage system designed to improve water absorption.
“We initially estimated pitch maintenance at around RM300,000, but after reassessing the situation, we believe the actual cost could be significantly higher.
“This is due to the stadium’s ageing infrastructure and the absence of a roof, so we must proceed with caution.
“Even though our pitch received a 93% rating from FIFA-appointed consultants Acousto-Scan Pty Ltd after various tests, we cannot afford to be complacent.
“We all remember the problems that emerged soon after the Bukit Jalil National Stadium pitch refurbishment. We want to avoid repeating those mistakes.
“We are now considering allocating at least RM1.6 million annually for pitch maintenance alone,” said Fadzli.
It is understood that Invest Pahang and the Darul Makmur Stadium Corporation will be tasked with generating the revenue needed for the pitch’s upkeep.
Plans are reportedly underway to boost stadium usage by repairing spectator seating, revitalising the three main halls, constructing a covered commercial area, and opening a café.
While the total maintenance cost has yet to be finalised, Fadzli said annual upkeep for other infrastructure and repairs is estimated at around RM500,000.
Fadzli also confirmed that the newly upgraded pitch will be used exclusively for football.
“The Bermuda Tifgrand pitch is ready for use. However, I expect it will only be officially launched within the next one to two months.
“Given the high costs of the upgrade and the substantially higher maintenance compared to the previous cow grass surface, I will ensure the Darul Makmur pitch is maintained to the highest standards and reserved solely for football,” he added.
For the record, Darul Makmur Stadium is the first venue in Malaysia to receive FIFA certification for a natural grass pitch under the global football body’s Quality Programme for Natural Playing Surfaces. — June 6, 2025