MHF steps up World Cup promotions

09/01/2002

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) claims it has been holding back the
promotions for the Kuala Lumpur World Cup because of the year-end
festivities.
MHF deputy president Tan Sri P. Alagendra said yesterday that from now
on, the promotions will go into high gear with numerous activities planned
uutil Feb 24.
"We have been holding back because the streets of Kuala Lumpur were
plastered with Hari Raya and Christmas celebration banners and `box
lights' yesterday, we had a discussion with City Hall and have been given
the greenlight to put up posters and banners for the World Cup," said
Alagendra.
The World Cup is 46 days away but not many Malaysians know that it is
making a comeback to Kuala Lumpur after 27 years.
It is also understood MHF is negotiating with several transport
companies to give discounted rates for fans during the World Cup which
will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
"From now on, publicity will be the main feature in our plans as we have
directed all our state representatives to make sure that not only Kuala
Lumpur gets enveloped in World Cup fever, but the whole of Malaysia as
well," said Alagendra.
On the disappointing ticket sales, Alagendra said a more aggresive
marketing strategy will be adopted.
He also revealed that AFFINBANK now holds 50 percent of the World Cup
tickets while 10 percent has been sold. This means only 40 percent is
available for the public.
"Under the 40 per cent discount programme (which ended on Jan 5), MHF
had allocated 60 percent of the tickets for Malaysians. But since only 10
per cent were sold, AFFINBANK bought the remaining 50 per cent and will
offer it to its account holders.
"AFFINBANK will not make a single sen as this is a goodwill gesture as
they have pledged that the stadium is filled during the World Cup."
Alagendra also said that Nestle will distribute 200 tickets per-day to
schoolchildren.
"Nestle has bought the tickets and with the help of the National Sports
Council, they will distribute it at certain hockey placing schools in
Malaysia so that 200 students can watch the World Cup every day. In this
way, the World Cup will also be promoted at the grassroots."
MHF said the number of temporary seats at the stadium would be increased
from 3,000 to 5,000.
"We did a study and the contractor told us that he can fit in 5,000
extra seats at the main stadium and we have agreed because it will allow
more fans to watch the World Cup," said MHF secretary S. Satgunam.
The seating capacity of the main stadium now is 12,000 and with the
addition, 17,000 fans can be expected during the semifinals and final of
the World Cup.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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