Lighting system at most stadiums fail to meet required standard

The new season is just around the corner but the same old lighting problem persists at most football stadiums in the country.  

Up until now, only four -- National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Alor Star's Darul Aman Stadium, Utama Stadium in Kangar and Universiti Sains Malaysia Athletics Stadium in Penang -- have passed inspection, said FA of Malaysia tournament director Ahmad Fuad Daud.

Ahmad, who was in Kuala Terengganu to conduct an inspection of Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium on Tuesday, said the rest of the stadiums failed to meet the minimum lighting illumination level requirement of 800 lux.

"What it means according to the rules is that night matches can only be held at those four stadiums and the rest of the games at other stadiums will have to take place in the afternoon," said Ahmad.

"The start for afternoon matches will be at 4.45pm for league games while matches in the knockout tournament will begin at 4.15pm." 

Ahmad said the stadium in Kuala Terengganu also failed to meet the minimum requirement as three of nine readings on the pitch were below 800 lux.

"All nine readings at various parts of the field have to be above 800 lux for the stadium to receive approval for night matches," Ahmad added.

"The relevant authorities will have a chance to improve the lighting system at their stadiums before Dec 12 when we will conduct our final stadium inspection."   Ahmad, who is also FAM assistant general secretary, said several other stadiums are in worse condition than the home venue for Terengganu and T-Team.

"Perhaps, some stadiums will need a new lighting system if they are serious about meeting the minimum requirement for night matches," he said.

Meanwhile, Terengganu FA deputy president Shaikh Ahmad Tajuddin Shaikh Yusof who was also at the stadium, said the illumination level at the stadium will have to be at least 1,200 lux before the start of the AFC Cup in March next year.

"We are not just talking about the Super League now as we are also going to be playing in our very first AFC Cup next year," said Shaikh Ahmad.

"The AFC Cup minimum requirement is 1,200 lux and our stadium will never be that bright with the present lighting system."  

Shaikh Ahmad said the association will seek help of the state government as the stadium is under the care of the Kuala Terengganu City Council.