KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has assured that the increasing number of concerts held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil has not affected the standards of Malaysian hockey.
Responding to questions from Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden and Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan during her wrap-up speech on the Supply Bill 2025, Hannah emphasised that concerts are only permitted if they do not clash with hockey events.
She reiterated that hosting international and national-level hockey tournaments remains the stadium’s top priority.
“The National Hockey Stadium has hosted three concerts so far in 2024, with two more scheduled before the end of the year.
“To date, there has been no damage to the turf surface, as the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) has established strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with the hockey turf supplier.
“All bookings must comply with these SOPs, which include covering the turf with protective layers recommended by the original turf supplier to accommodate the additional weight,” Hannah explained.
She further clarified the stadium’s usage: “The National Hockey Stadium comprises two fields. Field 2 is dedicated to the national hockey team for development and training purposes, while Field 1, or the Main Field, prioritises international and national-level hockey events.
“The stadium’s usage ratio is 60:40, with 60% allocated for sporting activities and 40% for non-sporting events. Concerts are only allowed when they do not conflict with hockey events.”
Hannah also highlighted the continuous engagement with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) prior to PSM’s decision to host concerts as a source of income.
“The stadium is also used by veteran teams, including those representing Malaysia but who cannot afford high rental fees. The revenue generated from concerts helps subsidise these costs.
“Therefore, I can confidently assure you that the standards of Malaysian hockey have not been compromised by hosting concerts,” Hannah concluded. — November 29, 2024