Temporary ban on concert stages at national stadium

 

Football fans were critical of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium’s pitch during Harimau Malaya’s 2-0 loss to Oman in a World Cup qualifier last month.

PETALING JAYA: Youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh has imposed a temporary ban on concert stage structures on the pitch at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

In a statement, Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) said the ban will remain until the condition of the grass improves to a satisfactory level.

“Organisers can still make reservations but any stage structures and sound towers are prohibited on the field,” PSM said.

“This is a measure to avoid damaging the grass and to ensure that the pitch remains in optimal condition for upcoming football matches.”

The decision was made after PSM held a post-mortem on Monday to discuss the condition of the pitch during the World Cup qualifier between Malaysia and Oman on March 26, which Harimau Malaya lost 2-0.

Heavy rain prevented Malaysia and Oman from holding their training sessions on the pitch the day before the match, drawing criticism from national coach Kim Pan-gon.

Last November, the stadium turf suffered damage following a concert by British pop group Coldplay, which was reportedly attended by 75,000 people.

The state of the pitch, which was planted with zeon zoysia grass, became a hot topic again after viral video and images showed the damaged turf following a concert by Ed Sheeran on Feb 24. - FMT