KUALA LUMPUR — The Perak Stadium field is undergoing a major overhaul — replacing its existing cowgrass with Axonopus Putra, a finer and denser turf developed by UPM and approved by the Youth and Sports Ministry — as confirmed by State Housing and Local Government Committee chair Sandrea Ng.
The project, valued at RM842,000, also includes drainage system upgrades and levelling works.
“The Axonopus Putra grass is finer, denser and more durable, making it highly suitable for Malaysia’s climate. This type of grass has also been used at the Mokhtar Dahari Academy in Gambang, Pahang,” she told a press conference at the Ipoh City Council (MBI) today, as quoted by Bernama.
She noted that the old grass had caused postponements of Malaysia Football League (MFL) matches and that the field would need three to six months after planting to mature, placing full readiness by mid-next year.
“So far, the works are on schedule, and the contractor has just completed the initial phase of implementation,” Ng said.
But the upgrade comes amid a striking paradox: Perak FC — the stadium’s traditional professional tenant — has ceased operations and has been suspended from MFL competitions for two seasons after failing to secure a licensing renewal and citing financial collapse.
With no club to call it home, the newly upgraded stadium may sit idle or be repurposed for lesser competitions, youth matches or community events — raising questions about return on investment and strategic planning.
Meanwhile, the Perak Football Association has expressed intentions to rebuild from grassroots, and a revived “Perak FA state team” is slated to join the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League in 2025–26, potentially using the stadium as home ground.
Whether the upgraded pitch will see action in the next wave of professional football, or remain a costly investment for infrastructure with no marquee tenant, remains to be seen. — October 3, 2025