KUALA LUMPUR — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has defended its decision to raise ticket prices for Sunday’s Asean Cup semi-final first leg against defending champions Vietnam, citing higher costs related to match organisation, operations, security, venue management and technical requirements.
The explanation comes after Scoop reported that FAM had faced criticism from Harimau Malaya supporters over the nearly 67 per cent increase in the cheapest adult ticket, which rose from RM30 during the group stage to RM50 for the semi-final at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras.
Despite the price hike, FAM is calling on fans to pack the stadium and provide Harimau Malaya with the vocal backing they need as Tan Cheng Hoe’s side seek to build a strong advantage against Vietnam before the return leg on Aug 19.
Speaking to Scoop, FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said the national governing body was pleased with the support shown during Malaysia’s previous home matches against Laos and the Philippines and hoped fans would once again turn up in force.
“First of all, I would like to thank all the supporters who have remained loyal and continued to support Harimau Malaya. Their presence and encouragement have been important to the team, and we are delighted that the national side has now reached the semi-finals.
“I would also like to urge all supporters to come in large numbers this Sunday and give their full support to the players. This is an important match for Harimau Malaya and we really need the fans behind the team throughout the 90 minutes.
“We are hoping the supporters can fill the stadium and create a strong atmosphere for the players. Their support can give the team an extra boost as we aim to secure a good result in the first leg before travelling for the return match,” he said.
FAM announced that adult tickets for the open category have been increased to RM50, compared with RM30 for Malaysia’s group-stage matches.
Grandstand tickets are priced at RM70, while VIP tickets cost RM100. The open-category ticket for children remains unchanged at RM5.
FAM said the revised prices were determined after taking into account several factors, including the costs of organising and operating the match, security, venue management and the technical requirements of the competition.
The governing body also stressed that it remained mindful of supporters’ affordability and interests, which it said were an important part of the national team’s journey.
“The ticket prices have therefore been set by taking into account the balance between the costs of organising the match and efforts to ensure that national team fixtures remain accessible to Harimau Malaya supporters,” Noor Azman said.
The ticket increase had earlier triggered criticism among supporters, with some questioning why they should pay significantly more to watch the national team at the Cheras venue.
Some argued that RM50 would have been more acceptable had the match been played at the TM National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Noor Azman also expressed pride in Malaysia’s progress to the Asean Cup semi-finals, particularly given the limited preparation time available to Cheng Hoe and the relatively inexperienced squad at his disposal.
“We are very proud of what the team has achieved so far. To reach the semi-finals despite having a short preparation period is something that deserves recognition, especially with many young and less experienced players in the squad.
“The players have shown good commitment and determination to get to this stage. Now, we need everyone — the players, coaching staff and supporters — to come together and give the team the best possible support for these two important matches,” he said. – August 12, 2026