DENGKIL residents in Selangor are on the verge of losing their only dedicated football field that has been actively used for decades. The field, located in Kampung Ampar Tenang, is currently owned by a private property developer who intends to use half of it for a new development project. As a result, only 0.51 hectares of the field have been surrendered to the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang) for maintenance, rendering it too small to accommodate football games. Last month, residents became suspicious upon seeing holes dug up in the field, arousing concerns about the impending development.
During the full board meeting on August 30, MPSepang councillors were taken aback upon learning about the reduced size of the field. Councillor Kenneth Lee emphasized that the initial agreement was for the developer to surrender a standard-size football field, whereas the current surrender size is insufficient. Lee urged MPSepang to renegotiate with the developer to secure a larger field. MPSepang president Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain committed to discussing the matter with the landowner, although he noted that the field’s status as an open space had not been formally established, granting the landowner the authority to determine its usage.
Many football enthusiasts from Dengkil, including former players, have lamented the impending loss of the field. R. Arumugam highlighted that the field served as a training ground for numerous individuals who went on to play professionally, with several young talents from the area becoming state players. The absence of a football field would hinder the future generation’s ability to realize their potential in the sport. It was previously reported on August 31 by StarMetro that the residents had suspected a development project when they observed holes being dug up on the field. M. Sivam, a former Negri Sembilan football player, expressed his gratitude for the field, as it played a significant role in honing his skills, even after he had left the team and moved away more than a decade ago.
Sivam suggested that the landowner, who is also developing a nearby township, should cherish the existing asset rather than destroy it. The field could be enjoyed by the residents of the new township as well. Pubalan Gunasegaran, another former Selangor football player from Kampung Ampar Tenang, added that downsizing the field would be regrettable, as football was the primary form of entertainment for boys in the area. The smaller field would only serve as a playground for young children, forcing teenagers and adults to seek alternative activities. Currently, football matches are frequently organized on the field, but this may no longer be feasible.
Pubalan highlighted that while a turf field exists nearby, it requires a minimum rental fee of RM500. The existing field, on the other hand, is free to use, allowing players to keep costs low. Additionally, the turf field is not ideal for players’ legs and increases their susceptibility to injuries. Mugilan Maialagan, who operates a football academy and uses the field as a training ground, expressed concern that he would have to discontinue the academy. The academy, known as Kelab Bola Sepak Ampar Tenang Selangor, trains approximately 80 children aged between seven and 18, many of whom come from underprivileged families. The current fee of RM50 per child would likely be unaffordable for parents if they were forced to rent the nearby turf field.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
