IPOH: Synthetic football pitches have been proposed for the Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreation Park, commonly known as the polo ground, and the DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park here.
Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said the city council intended to use top-of-the-line artificial grass to put these venues on par with other synthetic surfaces in the country that are recognised by Fifa, the world footballing body.
“Most pitches in the country now use cow grass... but after a few months it does not look like a (proper playing field) due to the weather, inappropriate use of grass, construction errors, and lack of maintenance," he told a townhall session with stakeholders here on Monday (March 18).
“Pitch condition is important as it can (affect) the movement of the ball, a team's tactics, and (could even lead to player injuries) if the surface is too hard," he added.
Rumaizi said constructing synthetic football pitches could be accompanied by the modernising of facilities at the venues for both players and spectators.
He said since 2013, several football pitches in the country have been fitted with synthetic surfaces.
The installation cost may be higher than a natural grass field but it saves money in the long run, he added.
