KUALA LUMPUR: Football officials can choose the type of grass to play on at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
In a unique move, plans are afoot to enable the National Stadium to offer two types of grass options for matches there.
Utilising the innovative roll-and-lay method, the stadium, which installed zeon zoysia grass in October 2023, will also have a new hybrid grass, donated by Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim.
This hybrid, known for its durability and performance, is similar to the type being used at JDT's home venue, the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh unveiled these plans yesterday, stating the importance of resource efficiency.
"To minimise waste, we will maintain a nursery for the zeon zoysia grass while preparing for the hybrid," said Yeoh.
The Malaysian Stadium Corporation will oversee the management of two nursery plots - one for the zeon zoysia and the other for the new hybrid.
Yeoh said the dual system will allow for a seamless transition between the grass types, based on event needs, ensuring top-notch conditions for athletes.
This comes on the heels of a challenging year for the National Stadium's pitch, which showed significant deterioration due to insufficient "rooting time" caused by concert setups.
"Concerts will be allowed, but any equipment on the field must be removed within 48 hours to preserve the playing surface," said Yeoh.