Origin In 1967 the
Malaya Cup was replaced by the
Piala Malaysia, but essentially amateur ethos continued until the semi-pro football league was introduced in 1979, as a
halfway house towards full professional status. It was intended primarily as a qualifying tournament for the final knock-out stages of the
Piala Malaysia. It was not until 1982 that a league trophy was introduced to recognise the winners of the preliminary stage as the league champions. Over the years, the league competition has gained important stature in its own right. From 1982 until 1988 the league is an amateur status continue its purpose as qualifying round for Piala Malaysia and only in 1989 it has officially changes to a new format as Liga Semi-Pro and was also just recognised as
Malaysian League.
Semi-Pro league system (1989–1993) In early days, Malaysian football league system consisted of amateur leagues before the changes in 1989. The formation of the Liga Semi-Pro has introduced a two-tier division of
football league in Malaysia. Initially the only teams allowed to participate were the state FA's,
Armed Forces and the
Police, and neighbouring countries of
Singapore and
Brunei. The
Football Association of Singapore pulled out in 1994 following a dispute over gate receipts, and has not been involved since. The Malaysian Police joined Divisyen 2 in 1990. Games were played on a home and away basis for about four months roughly between the end of April or early May and the end of August or early September. For the first season three points were awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss, but in subsequent seasons this was changed to a 2, 1, 0 basis. At the end of the league competition, the top three placed teams in both divisions received prize money, while two were relegated/promoted and a play off was staged between the eighth placed team in Divisyen 1 and the third placed team in Divisyen 2. The top six teams in Divisyen 1 and top two in Divisyen 2 also proceeded to the quarter-finals of the Piala Malaysia. == Champions ==