Malaysia FA Cup 2026/27 Round of 16 first-leg clash between DPMM FC and Terengganu FC has been unexpectedly postponed due to dangerous haze conditions affecting parts of Borneo.
The match was scheduled to take place tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, with kick-off originally set for 8:15 PM local time.
However, organisers called off the fixture after air-quality readings at the stadium reached a hazardous level.
According to the official announcement, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 215 at 4:00 PM around the venue.
An AQI level of 215 is considered very unhealthy and poses a significant health risk, particularly during prolonged physical activity.
Following an assessment, the match officials and representatives of both teams agreed that proceeding with the fixture would not be appropriate.
The decision was subsequently confirmed officially by the organisers. The postponement underlines the growing impact of the haze situation on sporting events across the region.
With professional football requiring players to maintain intense physical activity over 90 minutes, poor air quality can create additional respiratory risks and potentially endanger the health of athletes, coaching staff, officials and supporters.
DPMM FC and Terengganu FC will now await further information regarding a new date and kick-off time for the first-leg encounter.
The current haze affecting Borneo has been linked to extensive forest fires in Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan, Indonesia, both located on the island of Borneo.
The fires have reportedly affected a vast area, with smoke carried by prevailing winds towards neighbouring parts of Malaysia and Brunei.
The haze has therefore become a regional concern rather than an isolated local issue.
The disruption to the DPMM FC-Terengganu fixture demonstrates how environmental conditions can directly affect sporting operations across borders.
Both teams had been preparing for an important knockout encounter, with the Round of 16 tie offering a direct route towards the FA Cup quarter-finals.
For DPMM FC, home advantage in Brunei was expected to provide an important boost.
Terengganu, meanwhile, arrived aiming to secure a positive first-leg result before the return fixture.
Instead, both sides must now wait. The postponement also creates another scheduling challenge for clubs already facing congested domestic calendars.
Credit Photo : DPMM FC
