PETALING JAYA, Oct 10 — Football fans in the country will be treated to he Bukit Jalil National Stadium’s (SNBJ) new look when it is unveiled on Thursday (October 12), after undergoing upgrading works carried out by the Malaysian Stadium Board (PSM).
PSM chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the venue, which will showcase a new pitch with Zeon Zoysia grass and upgraded facilities, will be opened by the Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club, together with Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh.
“PSM and the party we appointed for the final phase of preparations means every minute counts right now. We will not reveal too much because the launch is on Thursday.
“We have done a new drainage system, a bit of upgrade in housekeeping, toilets, prayer rooms, and many other facilities will be revealed during the launch,” he said to the press during the launch of the film Harimau Malaya: The Untold Story today.
During the match between Harimau Malaya and India in the opening Pestabola Merdeka 2023 on Friday (October 13), coach Kim Pan Gon’s squad will enjoy a new experience at SNBJ.
Work to replace the cow grass at the SNBJ with Zeon Zoysia began in April, with the estimated cost of RM1.4 million for the entire ‘returfing’ project sponsored by TMJ.
The Pestabola Merdeka 2023, to be held from October 13 to October 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 (Harimau Malaya) to qualify for the 2022 Asia Cup after 42 years.
4wards Pictures Sdn Bhd produces the film.
— Bernama
