The 2025 Malaysia Open between the national women’s doubles pair, Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing, and the Chinese pair, Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian, was temporarily suspended last night (January 7) when the roof of the Axiata Arena court leaked during a heavy downpour.
The incident resulted in rainwater trickling onto Court Two as the Chinese pair led 11-10 in the first set over Pei Kee-Mei Xing.
The incident also affected Court Three, where the men’s singles match between Canadian player Brian Yang and Indian champion HS Prannoy was taking place. Court 1, however, was not affected by the leak.
Just this morning, the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) shared a statement to apologise for the matter and explain the condition of the roof.
“The leak is caused by the process of replacing the old roof, which has been in use since 1998. The maintenance work has been done since mid-2024.”
PSM also stated that the roof replacement process by the Public Works Department (JKR), carried out by a contractor appointed by JKR, took one year and was done in a way that did not require closing the Axiata Arena for event hosting.
Since mid-2024 until last night, no leaks had occurred
PSM, in collaboration with the contractor, has carried out immediate work to redirect the water to another location since 4:30 PM, and the court was usable again by 8:00 PM.
“PSM and the contractor carried out additional work to ensure that this issue would not repeat in the coming days.”
“More than 10 staff members will be on standby on the roof throughout the tournament to ensure this incident does not happen again.”
PSM has also identified the problematic areas and has launched the necessary repair works. The organization also held a meeting with the Federal Territory JKR and the contractor on December 30, 2024, and emphasised the importance of the event not being disrupted by the roof replacement work.
The contractors have assured PSM that such incidents will not happen again. The 2025 Malaysia Open is scheduled to take place from January 7 until January 12 at Axiata Arena.
