Nothing beats the energy of going to a football (or soccer) match in a stadium. Football is loved all around the world (and catching on in the U.S.A) and one of the best way to experience local culture is by going to a football match.

This is especially true in Malaysia. Go to any mamak stall at night and they’ll have football playing on their TV screens. The gentlemen will gather to cheer their team, and the ladies may be on the lookout for an eye candy or two.

Just like in Europe, traffic will halt and droves of people will flock when their favorite team is playing. That’s when you can experience the joy of being in a stadium.

Waves of people sporting their team’s colour, deafening chants and songs, the tremble underneath your feet as the crowd jumps. These experiences are why you should consider going to a football match on your next trip, it’s something you can’t get anywhere else.

Liga Super Malaysia

Liga Super Malaysia (Or Malaysia Super League) is the league to watch if you’re in Malaysia. Started in 2004, this competition has 12 clubs competing for a trophy and the right to be called the best. The season lasts from February to October, so if you’re in Malaysia during this period, make sure to go to one of them.

JOHOR FC VS PAHANG FA

The team you have to keep your eye on is the current defending champion Johor Da’rul Ta’zim FC. The Southern Tigers, as they’re commonly known, have been winning the competition for the past four years. Their dominance from 2014-2017 has been a sight to behold. They seem to be carrying their momentum well, as they are the team with the most points this season.

Their rival is the team Pahang FA, the winner in 2004. In 2013, things got out of hand as fans from both teams overcrowded the Darul Makmur Stadium in Pahang. Johor fans were attacked and stones were thrown before cops intervened.

This rivalry has been termed the ‘Royal Derby’ because of what’s happening off the grass. Johor FC is owned by Johor royal prince, Tunku Ismail Idris. Tunku Ismail has been very vocal with his criticisms of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), owned by Pahang royalty.

Needless to say, these two teams have locked horns and a match between these two will always be intense and exciting. 

SELANGOR FA VS PKNS FC 

Selangor FA is another team to look out for as it is the most successful team in Malaysia based on titles won. They have a rich history, being in a rivalry with Singapore FA for 73 years! This rivalry was dubbed the Malayan El Clasico and ran from 1921 to 1994.

Selangor FA was also the cradle where Malaysian football legends developed; legends such as “Spiderman” R.Arumugam and “Supermokh” Datuk Mokhtar Dahari.

PKNS FC is also no slouch. Although they’re in the state of Selangor, they’re owned by a private company. Nicknamed The Red Ants, this team beat Selangor FA 5:3 in 2017 after an intense fight. Their rival is the giant Selangor FA, appropriately named ‘Selangor Derby’.

SELANGOR FA VS KUALA LUMPUR FA

Kuala Lumpur FA (or the City Boys or The Hawks) are also in a rivalry with Selangor FA, called the ‘Klang Valley Derby’, aptly titled because of the states’ location. However, Selangor FA has been decisively been the winner of this derby, with Kuala Lumpur FA having their last victory in 2007.

While they can’t seem to beat Selangor FA, they’ve gotten the admiration of fans for their strong team members. Established in 1975, this team is still young but hungry for victory.

KELANTAN FA VS TERENGGANU FC 

The ‘East Coast Derby’ also deserves attention. The rivalry between the two east coast states, Kelantan FA and Terengganu FC, have raged on since the 80s. Terengganu FC( the Turtles) are a strong team with 3 runner-up Liga Super Malaysia titles in the bag. They don the colors black and white and are a formidable opponent for any team. Kelantan FA is no slouch either, The Red Warriors won the 2011 and 2012 season.

Both teams have volatile fans. Both teams have had riots break out during their match. These fans are passionate about their team but it can get out of hand sometimes.

HONOURABLE MENTION 

Kedah FA were the winners of Liga Super Malaysia season 2007 and 2008. The Red Hawks recently signed Alvaro Silva, the most valuable player yet, at RM 3.97 million. Hopefully they can reclaim their past glory and dethrone the current champion. 

How to Get to a Stadium

Malaysia is still progressing and this is a good thing if you’re thinking about watching a football match here. The public transport system is getting better so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a car. Your best bet and fastest option is by using the Grab app, a regional ride-sharing service.

If you’re in KL, the stadium to go to is Stadium Bola Sepak Kuala Lumpur, Cheras. Here’s a few public transport options:

From Bukit Bintang: Take the SPL train line towards Putra Heights. Get down at Bandar Tun Razak

From Mid Valley: Take the KMUTER line towards Tampin/Pulau Sebang and get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan. Get on the SPL line towards Sentul Timur and get off at Bandar Tun Razak.

Where to Go for More Info

I imagine you’d be pretty excited to watch the games after knowing more about the teams. You can buy tickets here, find out the dates of the matches here, and catch up with the standings here.

Definitely check out the local football scene wherever you go, because that’s where you can get a feel for the local’s passion, comradery, and history… all while having a blast!