PETALING JAYA – Football fans in the country will be treated to Bukit Jalil National Stadium’s new look which will be unveiled on Thursday. This comes after upgrading works were carried out on the national landmark by the Malaysian Stadium Corporation (PSM).
PSM chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the venue, showcasing a new pitch with zeon zoysia type grass and upgraded facilities, will be opened by Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim or popularly known as TMJ – who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club – together with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
“For PSM and the party that we have appointed for the final phase of preparations, every minute counts right now. We are not going to reveal too much because the launch is on Thursday.
“We installed a new drainage system, upgraded housekeeping, toilets, prayer rooms and many other facilities which will be revealed during the launch,” he told reporters at the launch of the film Harimau Malaya: The Untold Story, here today.
Hans Isaac said Kim Pan-gon’s squad will enjoy a new experience at the stadium during the match against India for the Pestabola Merdeka 2023 opening on Friday,.
Work to replace the cow grass at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium with zeon zoysia had started in April. The cost for the entire “returfing” project, estimated to be around RM1.4 million, was sponsored by TMJ.
The Pestabola Merdeka 2023 to be held from October 13 to 17, will see only three teams participating, namely Malaysia, India and Tajikistan since Palestine has decided to withdraw.
According to Football Association of Malaysia deputy president Datuk Sivasundaram, Malaysia and India will play on Friday while Tajikistan will receive a bye and await the winner in the final on October 17.
Meanwhile, the director of the film Harimau Malaya: The Untold Story, Datuk Afdlin Shauki has brought about a new perspective to the struggles of the National football team to qualify for the 2022 Asia Cup after 42 years.
The film is produced by 4wards Pictures Sdn Bhd. – October 10, 2023