KUANTAN — Darul Makmur Stadium has become the first venue in Malaysia to receive certification from FIFA for its natural grass pitch under the global football body’s Quality Programme for Natural Playing Surfaces.
Pahang Communications, Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman, Fadzli Mohamad Kamal, said the certification followed a thorough assessment by FIFA-appointed consultants Acousto-Scan Pty Ltd on April 23 and 24.
“The pitch earned an excellent rating with a score of 93% after undergoing climate testing, sports performance testing, and agronomic testing,” he told a press conference today.
The assessment evaluated factors such as soil temperature, humidity, ball bounce, surface hardness, root structure, weed content and overall soil health.
“This recognition is a significant milestone in the technical and maintenance standards of national sports infrastructure,” Fadzli said.
He noted that the stadium’s ‘Bermuda Tifgrand’ grass is the first of its kind to be planted outside Japan. The field also features a three-layer construction with an underground drainage system designed to accelerate water absorption.
The pitch was built and upgraded by local contractor RS Greenmaster (M) Sdn Bhd in accordance with FIFA’s stringent specifications.
The RM1.6 million project was jointly funded by the Youth and Sports Ministry (RM500,000) and the Pahang state government (RM1.1 million).
Although the contractor has approved the field for use, it will not be opened for matches for another month or two.
Fadzli added that annual maintenance costs for the upgraded pitch are projected to increase to RM250,000–RM300,000, compared to RM50,000 for the previous cow grass surface.
“To manage these costs, we’ve developed a strategy with the Darul Makmur Stadium Corporation to generate additional revenue,” he said.
Plans include maximising the use of the stadium’s three main halls, building a covered commercial space on the grounds, and opening a café. — May 30, 2025