Kedah mulls building new football stadium outside Alor Setar

The Kedah government plans to build a new football stadium with a capacity of 60,000 outside this city following the rising number of fans coming to the Darulaman Stadium to watch football matches.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is also Kedah Football Association president, said the state government had received several proposals on the project, including on the suitable design of the complex and costs, to be considered and finalised.

"The number of fans coming to Stadium Darulaman is on the rise and we want to build a new stadium outside the city of Alor Setar as soon as possible to further motivate the team, as well as to provide comfort to all fans and supporters," he said after visiting the Kedah players and team officials during a training session at the Peremba football field here today.

He said the state government also wanted more involvement from the private sector in the project so that it could be implemented as soon as possible.

"This is because the project will not only involve a construction of a stadium, but also a commercial area, food court and sports centre. So, we really welcome participation of the private sector," he said.

Ahmad Bashah said the current capacity of 30,000 at the Darulaman Stadium was no longer able to cater to fans, especially during the important matches involving the state's football team.

"We also want each district in Kedah to have its own attraction, and not be centred in any one," said Ahmad Bashah, referring to the racetrack to be built in Sungai Petani as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his recent visit to Kedah.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Bashah expressed hope that the Red Eagle squad could win their FA Cup match against Kuala Lumpur here, tonight.

"I hope the players can continue their excellent momentum, and that fans will continue to cheer and encourage them to win," he said.

-- BERNAMA