Artificial football pitches to be build in all states

The Youth and Sports Ministry hopes to build at least one synthetic (artificial turf) football pitch in every state, starting this year, said its Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek here Monday.

Ahmad Shabery said the first of such pitches, estimated to cost RM1 million each and build according to specifications set by FIFA, would be build in Sarawak this year.

"We will build the first one as a model pitch here before identifying suitable sites for other states," he told reporters after visiting the Sarawak Aquatics Excellence Centre situated at the Youth and Sports Complex here Monday.

He said the proposal for building the stadium had already been discussed with Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud during a meting.

"Though the cost of building the stadium will be high, it will save cost of maintenance in the long run because the synthetic turf has a shelf life of 10 years and easier to maintain," he said.