KUALA LUMPUR: The National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will continue using Zeon Zoysia grass for its pitch, said Malaysian Stadium Corporation (MSC) CEO Iliyas Jamil today (March 19).

Iliyas also said that the Zeon Zoysia surface is in excellent condition and will be ready for the Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Ta'zim and Sri Pahang on April 12.

"It has matured well and is in great shape, so we do not wish to disrupt its current state," Iliyas said during a press conference at the stadium today.

"The pitch will certainly be ready in time for the Malaysia Cup final."

In 2022, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim pledged to fund the refurbishment of the Bukit Jalil pitch, replacing its cow grass with Zeon Zoysia. However, the newly laid turf has faced scrutiny since its unveiling in October, 2023, largely due to inconsistent quality.

Concerts by Coldplay and Ed Sheeran, both held at the stadium, contributed to further deterioration, and subsequent maintenance efforts failed to fully restore the pitch.

Following Malaysia's Asian Cup qualifier against Oman on March 26, Tunku Ismail donated a hybrid pitch, previously used at Larkin Stadium, for the upgrade of the National Stadium's field.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Youth and Sports is expected to announce the new MSC chairman tomorrow. Datuk Hans Isaac surprised many by resigning yesterday as MSC chairman after two years.

According to a source, the incoming chairman is not expected to be from the sports fraternity but rather a corporate figure.

Meanwhile MSC has announced revised parking rates in response to public complaints.

"On non-event days, parking will be RM2 for the first three hours and RM5 thereafter," Iliyas said.

"On event days – such as football matches and concerts – a flat rate of RM5 will apply. A monthly pass will also be available for RM100."