KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Stadium Corporation (MSC) is making substantial investments to ensure that the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil is in optimal condition, particularly for football matches.
MSC chief executive officer Iliyas Jamil announced that millions of ringgit have been allocated for new equipment, including a state-of-the-art pitch cover known as TerraPlas.
The current cover, over 25 years old, is being replaced to protect the pitch during upcoming concerts.
"We have imported a new cover from the United Kingdom. It is essential to maintain the quality of the pitch, especially during high-profile events," said Iliyas.
In addition to the new cover, Iliyas said MSC has partnered with local specialists to maintain the pitch's quality.
MSC has collaborated with experts from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and a local company to ensure the grass is in top condition before each football match.
"While foreign expertise can be beneficial, they may not fully understand the unique conditions we face here.
"Our local experts are familiar with our environment, which is why we're relying on them.
"This three-month period will serve as a test for the contractors to guarantee the pitch is in top shape before the AFF Cup in December," Iliyas added.
The National Stadium will host three concerts before the AFF Cup, beginning with Jay Chou's World Tour on Oct 26.
These concerts are expected to attract large crowds, raising concerns about potential damage to the pitch, following previous incidents where the surface sustained significant wear and tear.
However, Iliyas remains optimistic, stating that with the new cover and local expertise, they are well-prepared to meet the challenges ahead and ensure the pitch remains in excellent condition for all upcoming events.