KUALA LUMPUR – Local badminton fans attending the Malaysia Open Super 1000 series have warned the Malaysian Stadium Corporation, threatening to boycott the tournament if the roof leakage issue at Axiata Arena continues tomorrow.
The fans’ frustration reached a boiling point as they were forced to watch the opening day matches from 4pm onwards, and the roof at the Axiata Arena had sprung a leak following a heavy downpour.
This disrupted the match between national women’s doubles pair Go Pei Kee and Teoh Mei Xing and China’s Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian on Court 2.
The leak also affected Court 3, where Canadian shuttler Brian Yang was playing against India’s H.S. Prannoy in the men’s singles.
Speaking to Scoop, Ahmad Adi Asyraf, who had traveled 252 km from Kuantan to witness his favorite shuttlers compete, expressed that the roof leakage issue at such a prestigious event as the Malaysia Open is a disgrace to the country’s image as host.
“This is really embarrassing and unacceptable. I wonder how the organisers even agreed to organise this tournament without consulting the Stadium Corporation about whether the facilities could be used.
“I was right there when the leaking started, and it was sad to see it affecting the players and their gameplay. This is a 1000 series event, not a third-rate event, and this kind of issue shouldn’t be happening in the first place.
“This is a matter of our country’s image and how we are portrayed on the world stage. Issues like this will make us appear unprofessional in the eyes of other international badminton associations and officials.
“Today, I don’t mind forgiving, but I hope this issue doesn’t persist tomorrow. Otherwise, I may have to boycott the tournament, as it will be a waste of money to buy tickets just to witness rainwater entering the arena and affecting the matches,” said Ahmad when met.
At the same time, 25-year-old Oscar Lee shared the same sentiment, calling it his worst opening day experience at the Malaysia Open.
“I have been following the Malaysia Open since I was 19, and this is definitely the worst experience I’ve ever had. It’s embarrassing.
“How could the organisers even think of organising this tournament without consulting the Stadium Corporation about the condition of the roof? Do these two bodies even communicate?
“Because of this, I’ve had to cancel all my plans tonight and wait for the matches to be completed. I hope this issue doesn’t happen again tomorrow, but I will double-check with my friend before coming here tomorrow,” said Oscar.
Meanwhile, college friends Shahirah Ahmad and Munirah Ridhwan also expressed their disappointment, citing that the organizers should do better, especially considering the high ticket prices for the tournament.
“The ticket price is already expensive. We had to pay with our internship allowances just because we love badminton and want to see our favorite shuttlers in action, but to witness issues like this is really disappointing.
“We’ve decided not to come and watch the matches from tomorrow onwards,” said the pair. – January 7, 2025