A short-term moratorium on any stage structure on the National Stadium field
April 6, 2024
The moratorium was issued by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh following the results of the post-assessment meeting on April 1.
A short-term moratorium on any stage structure on the National Stadium field
The moratorium was issued by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh following the results of the post-assessment meeting on April 1. - Astro AWANI's photo
KUALA LUMPUR: A short-term moratorium has been issued to prevent any installation of stage structures involving the preparation of concerts at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium (SNBJ) field here until the condition of the grass reaches a good level.
The development was confirmed by the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) which stated that the moratorium was issued by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh following the results of the post-evaluation meeting on April 1.
According to PSM, the meeting chaired by PSM Board Member Datuk Seri Windsor John discussed the condition of the National Stadium field during the Group D match of the second round of the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers between Malaysia and Oman last month.
"Following the results of the post-assessment, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh issued a short-term moratorium to prevent any stage structure installation involving the preparation of concerts on the grass until the condition of the grass reaches a good level.
"This matter was informed to the concert organizers at a dialogue session between the minister and the concert organizers yesterday," according to the statement today.
According to PSM, the dialogue session also discussed steps that the corporation could take to provide more perfect facilities.
In the meantime, PSM informed that organizers can still make reservations, but any stage structures and sound towers are prohibited on the field.
"This is a measure to not affect the grass at SNBJ and ensure that the grass is in optimal condition for the upcoming football matches," according to the statement.
The condition of the SNBJ field became a hot debate before after a video and photo of the damaged field surface went viral after the international singer Ed Sheeran's concert on February 24.
In fact, the same issue also occurred in November last year when PSM allowed a Coldplay concert to be organized, resulting in the field's surface being damaged even though the Zeon Zoysia grass had just been replaced.
In addition, the Malaysian and Omani teams were also not allowed to practice the day before the clash of Group D in the second round of the 2026 World Cup / 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
-- BERNAMA
