Pahang Receives RM7 Million To Upgrade Darul Makmur Stadium Facilities

KUANTAN, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Pahang government has received a RM7 million allocation from the federal government to upgrade facilities at the Darul Makmur Stadium, including its floodlights, electrical wiring and seating.

State Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said the tender process for the project would be managed by the Public Works Department (JKR).

“I would also like to thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports because efforts spanning more than three years have finally borne fruit with the approval of this allocation to upgrade the stadium’s floodlights and seating facilities,” he told reporters after the launch of the inaugural Pahang People's League Al-Sultan Abdullah Cup at the Darul Makmur Stadium last night.

The event was officiated by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who also watched a friendly match between the Pahang Selection and Selangor Selection teams.

The Pahang Selection emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in front of an estimated 30,000 spectators.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah and the state executive council members.

Fadzli said the state government remains committed to improving stadium facilities and strengthening the Pahang People's League to create a new impetus for football development in the state.

“Our pitch is now at a level we can be proud of, and the focus is now on improving other facilities, particularly the floodlights and seating. We are working towards making the Darul Makmur Stadium a venue that can stand on its own,” he said.

On the inaugural Pahang People's League Al-Sultan Abdullah Cup, Fadzli said the state government had met with district football associations to ensure that each district fields at least 12 teams for district-level competition.

The champions from each district will then advance to the state-level tournament to compete for the Al-Sultan Abdullah Cup and the accompanying cash prizes.

He added that the state government also plans to introduce football leagues for the Under-19, Under-15, Under-12, Under-10 and Under-8 age groups across all districts to strengthen grassroots football development in line with the Sultan of Pahang’s aspirations.

“The district-level league is expected to begin within two weeks, with two districts organising competitions simultaneously each week. As for the Under-19 league, we are still finalising the start date,” he said.

-- BERNAMA