IPOH: The explanation provided by Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) on the removal of stagnant water from the Bukit Jalil National Stadium football field is good enough, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

       The Youth and Sports Minister said the statement was sufficient to let the public understand what happened during Saturday's (June 11) AFC Asian Cup qualifying match between Malaysia and Bahrain.

       Asked if the stagnant water pooled because of a drainage or technical fault, Ahmad Faizal said the biggest problem is climate change.

       “It was raining very heavily prior to the match, and before Malaysia played there was another game.

       “The drainage system was functioning well,” he told a press conference after officiating a surau at SK Pasukan Polis Hutan in Tambun near here on Monday (June 13).

       He was asked to comment about viral videos showing staff using shovels and cardboard to clear water from the pitch before the match.

       Ahmad Faizal also suggested that in future, tournament organisers could reserve the National Stadium for games featuring Malaysia, which would draw a crowd, and hold other matches at smaller venues.

       PSM chief executive officer Mohd Faidz Sanusi had said on Sunday (June 12) that it did not order workers to use shovels and cardboard to clear the stagnant water.

       Mohd Faidz said the National Stadium has a drainage system for this purpose.