KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh today said that the 21,000 seats at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium had to remain vacant for the first leg of the ASEAN Football Federation Cup (AFF) 2022 semi-final clash between Malaysia and Thailand this Saturday due to the installation of an international-scale concert stage.
She said the installation of the stage at the venue which had been booked by the organisers of a tour by famous Taiwanese artist Jay Chou since March 2019, also involved a large crew, and hoped that football fans could accept the fact that it was impossible to change the situation at the stadium.
"I have received an explanation (that) this installation work involves 14 days involving 500 crew members, including 185 international crew members entering Malaysia just for the setup. 45 heavy machinery, 200 speakers and 800 lights (are also involved). So it is not like a normal stage tent that we can install (or) open at will.
"So both events have a strong fan base. We want to give all the support to Harimau Malaya this Saturday, as well as the concert that has been booked earlier," she told Bernama here tonight.
SPORTS-HANNAH (STADIUM) 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
Yesterday, FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman said that 21,000 seats at the national stadium could not be utilised due to the installation of the stage, which was still ongoing.
However, the vacancy of 21,000 seats received criticism from football fans in the country.
Meanwhile, Hannah said the situation would remain the same if Malaysia qualified for the final, with the second leg scheduled to take place on Jan 16.
"The corporation (Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia) has made an effort to plan on how to cater for everyone... so that (final) will continue, but in the current situation, where the areas will be blocked off.
"...because the most suitable location for FAM (Malaysian Football Association) is here (Bukit Jalil National Stadium) because there is public transportation and a large number of seats, and this is an unavoidable situation because the booking was made earlier," she said.
Jay Chou's concert is scheduled to take place on Jan 15.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Jan 06 2023
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh today said that the 21,000 seats at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium had to remain vacant for the first leg of the ASEAN Football Federation Cup (AFF) 2022 semi-final clash between Malaysia and Thailand.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.