KUALA LUMPUR – Harimau Malaya is set to benefit from a permanent home for the first time after the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) National Training Centre (NTC) in Precinct 5, Putrajaya, completed its first phase of development.
The facility, expected to become the national team’s official training base ahead of the 2026 Fifa Asean Cup in September, marks a major milestone in Malaysian football’s efforts to establish a more professional and sustainable high-performance environment.
For years, the national squad has had to train at various venues depending on availability and scheduling requirements.
The completion of the NTC is expected to end that reliance and provide greater consistency in the team’s preparations for international competitions.
Built at a cost of RM69 million, the first phase comprises three training pitches featuring Bermuda grass, hybrid turf and synthetic surfaces, allowing players to prepare for a variety of playing conditions while meeting international standards.
The development was made possible through a FIFA grant worth approximately RM24 million (US$5.2 million), reflecting the governing body’s support for football development in Malaysia.
FAM secretary general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said the facility is ready to be utilised by the national team as preparations begin for future international assignments.
“We expect the Harimau Malaya squad to start using these facilities, particularly in preparation for the 2026 Fifa Asean Cup.
“This is one of the key projects that will help improve the quality of the national team’s preparations moving forward,” he briefly said when contacted.
Noor Azman described the NTC as more than just a training venue, saying it represents FAM’s long-term commitment to strengthening the foundations of Malaysian football.
The centre is expected to provide the national team with a significant advantage by enabling players to train in a controlled environment without having to move between different venues.
The availability of multiple pitch surfaces will also help players adapt to conditions commonly encountered in international tournaments.
Beyond the senior men’s team, the NTC is expected to serve as a long-term development hub for youth, women’s and grassroots football programmes.
Development of the facility is set to continue under a second phase, which will be funded through a RM45 million allocation from the Youth and Sports Ministry.
The next stage will involve the construction of a 1,682.8-square-metre building housing a gymnasium, recovery facilities, changing rooms and a multipurpose hall, transforming the NTC into a comprehensive high-performance centre capable of supporting every aspect of player development. – June 22, 2026