Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has officially announced the appointment of Tan Cheng Hoe as the Interim Head Coach of the Malaysian National Team, following the departure of Peter Cklamovski.
The decision was made after careful consideration of Tan Cheng Hoe’s extensive coaching experience, proven track record, and deep understanding of Malaysian football. FAM believes his expertise and familiarity with the local football landscape will be crucial in strengthening the Harimau Malaya setup during this transitional period.
Tan Cheng Hoe is one of Malaysia’s most respected and accomplished football coaches. His journey within the national team structure began in 2005 when he served as assistant coach of the Malaysia Under-20 squad before moving on to the Under-23 team between 2009 and 2010.
He also held the role of assistant coach of the senior national team from 2009 to 2013 before returning to the setup in 2017. His rise culminated in his appointment as Malaysia’s head coach from December 2017 until December 2021.
The 58-year-old coach from Alor Setar, Kedah, is no stranger to success on the international stage. As part of Datuk K. Rajagobal’s coaching staff, he played a key role in helping Malaysia win the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, the country’s first ASEAN championship triumph.
Later, as head coach, he guided Malaysia to the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup final, where Harimau Malaya finished runners-up after an impressive tournament campaign that reignited national optimism.
Beyond the national team, Tan Cheng Hoe has built a reputation as one of the most successful coaches in Malaysian club football.
He guided Kedah Darul Aman FC to the 2015 Premier League title, securing promotion before leading the club to the 2016 Malaysia Cup and 2017 Piala Sumbangsih. Under his leadership, Kedah became one of the most consistent teams in Malaysian football.
Following his successful stint with Kedah, he took charge of Selangor FC from 2022 to 2024 before embarking on a coaching challenge abroad with Thai club Police Tero FC.
In April 2025, Tan Cheng Hoe returned to FAM after being appointed Malaysia National Team Technical Director, a role that kept him closely involved with the development and direction of Malaysian football.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Malaysian football as the national team looks to rebuild momentum and remain competitive on both the Asian and international stages.
With his extensive experience, understanding of local players, and previous success with the national team, Tan Cheng Hoe is expected to provide stability while FAM evaluates its long-term coaching plans.
In a statement, FAM expressed confidence that Tan Cheng Hoe’s return to the sidelines will provide a fresh boost for Harimau Malaya and help elevate the team’s performances in upcoming competitions.
For Malaysian football supporters, the appointment signals the return of a familiar and trusted figure who has already delivered some of the nation’s most memorable football achievements. As Harimau Malaya prepares for its next chapter, all eyes will now be on Tan Cheng Hoe as he once again takes charge of the country’s footballing ambitions.
Credit Photo : FAM
