THE state of the young zeon zoysia pitch at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil may have taken centre stage at the Malaysia - India football match last night.
However, the one positive that emerged from it was the consensus shown by all involved, on and off the pitch.
Barely five minutes into the Merdeka Tournament match, patches of grass was seen flying off of players' boots, sand spraying everywhere, coupled with a couple of tumbles due to the grass slipping under the players.
Although netizens came down hard on the state of the 'baby turf' due to their concern for the players in the match that saw Malaysia win 4-2 against India, players, match officials, stadium officials and more were united in answering questions about the pitch.
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who gifted the zeon zoysia field, estimated to cost RM1.5 million, viewed the pitch on Thursday and after the match, shared his thoughts on X.
"During the handover ceremony yesterday (Thursday), I told the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (MSC), Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Amin that this field isn't ready and the roots need more time," said Tunku Ismail.
"You can ask them and they were all there. I also said the pitch would unearth tomorrow."
The Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) club owner said the same contractors responsible for the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium were used for the National Stadium.
Tunku Ismail also shared photos of the pristine state of the Southern Tigers' home turf.
"This is the proven product. It's proven. But we need to take care of it properly. There's no difference. Same grass, contractor. The difference is at the National Stadium, TMJ (Tunku Ismail) isn't there, that's all. FAM, if you would like to use SIS, let me know," said Tunku Ismail.
In a series of Instagram stories, MSC chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said there is much to be done before the Merdeka Tournament final between Malaysia and Tajikistan on Tuesday. He added that the pitch would be closed once the finals are over.
"Twelve months needed, we had eight-months for the Merdeka Tournament. Congratulations on the 4-2 win Harimau Malaya. See you guys on Tueday for the finals, more work to be done. "
MSC also released a statement regarding the matter and said it was due to lack of sunlight exposure.
"MSC used grow lights to enhance grass growth around that area (opposite the grandstand) but it still isn't the same as natural sunlight.
"However, MSC is confident we will overcome this and the patch will be restored fully in the build up to the 2026 Fifa World Cup/2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers (in November).
"The standard process duration for a field to be fully ready is 12-months but MSC only took eight months. Last week, the rain didn't help with the growth of the new grass and the patches of grass peeled off."
Despite this setback, MSC said it was thrilled by the capabilities of the new drainage system that will contribute to the field development's success.
Meanwhile, former Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin reposted Tunku Ismail's comments and admitted the field at the National Stadium has always been challenging.
"As someone who has handled the National Stadium before, the pitch has always been a big challenge," said Khairy.
"The zeon zoysia grass gifted by Tunku Ismail is the best choice. Unfortunately, the game tonight (Friday) was rushed and the grass did not have time to settle.
"I hope FAM and MSC will fix the pitch and allow for it to 'take root' before allowing another game to be played on it. It will be a waste of TMJ's gift to Malaysian football."