THE Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) will work closely with the management of the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin concerning the use of hybrid grass at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
In expressing its gratitude to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, for agreeing to donate hybrid grass for the returfing of the pitch at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, PSM said it is committed to managing a multi-purpose field for sporting and non-sporting events.
“PSM wishes to express its happiness and gratitude to Tunku Ismail for his consideration and wisdom in advising PSM, “ it said in a statement today.
According to a post on the Johor Southern Tigers official Facebook page, Tunku Ismail agreed to donate hybrid grass to SNBJ following a meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Windsor John.
Tunku Ismail agreed to do so after a study showed that hybrid grass is more durable and flexible, and would better suit the stadium’s hosting of both sporting and non-sporting events.
Based on that and the results of a study conducted by the Johor Darul Ta’azim Football Club (JDT), Tunku Ismail agreed to donate hybrid grass currently being laid at the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium for use in the National Stadium, read the post.
The national stadium’s current pitch, laid with Zeon Zoysia grass previously donated by Tunku Ismail, will be rolled off and installed at the National Sports Council field at KL Sports City.
Tunku Ismail, who owns JDT, had previously gifted the Zeon Zoysia grass to replace the original cow grass pitch at the National Stadium.
However, the new pitch suffered damage following a Coldplay concert held at the stadium on Nov 22 last year, which affected the 2023 Malaysia Cup final held some three weeks later.
Several other football matches have been similarly affected.
The problem also saw the Youth and Sports Ministry announce a ban on the installation of concert stage structures on the pitch to allow the grass to grow to satisfactory levels.
