No abuse of funds in returfing of National Stadium pitch - Khairy

There was no abuse of funds involved in the upgrading and returfing of the pitch at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

Khairy said the upgrading of the pitch, which included laying a new turf, was done via an open tender.

"We will monitor the condition of the pitch at the stadium when hosting a number of matches. If there was a need to make changes, we will consider. I have met the Stadium Board to discuss the matter. It is the structure of the field that is difficult to overcome," he told reporters after launching the WiO and Zac & Zibbo Your Family Wellness Centre in Citta Mall here.

Last year, Khairy had directed the National Stadium to be closed for repairs following Barcelona FC's refusal to play a friendly match against Malaysia during their far east tour, due to the deplorable condition of the pitch.

The match was later played at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Khairy had expressed his disappointment with the condition of the pitch during the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday although the pitch was upgraded at a cost of RM1.5 million.

grass turf

A turf grass expert recommends the 'Zoysia Matrella' grass (right) be used at the National Stadium, as opposed to the current 'Bermuda Princess 77' (left) type of grass because the former has a lower maintenance cost.

Meanwhile, turf grass expert Normas Yakin Md Arrifin suggested that the 'Zoysia Matrella' or better known as 'Manila Grass' type of grass be used because the cost of maintenance was low compared with other types of grass.

He said the turf grass used at the stadium, 'Bermuda Princess 77' needed proper maintenance and the cost of maintenance was high.

"To retain the grass at the stadium, proper maintenance is required and that will certainly incur a high cost," he told Bernama when contacted Tuesday.