MCA Youth rains down on Youth and Sports Ministry over leaky roof

Summary

• MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong pans Youth and Sports Ministry over roof leak at Axiata Arena during a tournament, calls it a major embarrassment for Malaysia.

• He wants the minister to give assurance such incidents will not recur.

• Chong also seeks clarification if there is a lack of funding.

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Describing the roof leak at Axiata Arena, which disrupted matches during the first round of the Malaysia Open badminton tournament, as a major embarrassment, MCA Youth has urged the Youth and Sports Ministry to explain the matter.

“This incident not only tarnishes Malaysia's reputation on the global stage - highlighting poor preparation for hosting international sports events - but also raises serious concerns about safety and the well-being of participants and spectators,” said the wing’s deputy chief Mike Chong.

He noted that this was not the first instance of such shortcomings, citing the poor condition of the pitch during the Merdeka Football Tournament in 2023 and a scheduling conflict that saw a sporting event clash with a concert at the National Hockey Stadium, potentially risking damage to the turf.

“Hence, the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh must go beyond issuing an apology and instead, provide assurances that such embarrassing incidents will not recur, especially when hosting international events where Malaysia is in the global spotlight,” he added.

Chong also sought clarification regarding the recent damages to sports infrastructure, asking if it is due to the ministry's failure to secure funding from the government to maintain and upgrade these facilities.

“If funding is available, why are the facilities still in disrepair? If funding is unavailable, why has the ministry failed to obtain it?” he asked.

Yesterday, several opening-day ties were delayed after a downpour resulted in water seeping through the roof and the leakage affected courts number two and three.

Contractors, PWD on standby

In a related development, Malaysia Stadium Corporation said 10 of its staff and contractors have been assigned to be on standby throughout the tournament to ensure the roof leak does not recur.

The corporation said the Public Works Department and the contractors are also cooperating to carry out the necessary repairs, which are currently underway.

“We have identified the problematic areas and expedited the required repair works,” it said.

The corporation also apologised to all parties, especially the organisers and badminton fans, for the leak.

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