Psm To Ensure National Stadium Pitch Ready For Oman Match - Hannah

KAJANG, March 9 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is confident that the Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM) will ensure the quality of the field at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil is ready for Harimau Malaya's match against Oman on March 26.

Commenting on national team head coach Kim Pan Gon's disappointment regarding the level of the pitch, Hannah said PSM is working to ensure the quality of the pitch and grass ahead of the second round of the World Cup 2026 / Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

"The National Stadium is committed to the Harimau Malaya squad. All the efforts made in past few weeks were all for Harimau Malaya (so that they can perform well)," she told reporters after officiating the Ministry of Youth and Sports' (KBS) Women's Day celebrations, and the launch of the Safe Sports Code video at Uniten here, today.

Yesterday, Pan Gon expressed his disappointment with the condition of the National Stadium field which is the venue for the fourth Group D match after the visit on Thursday, while the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said the field condition was found to be at a good level to host the match.

Previously, questions arose about the condition of the field at Harimau Malaya's home stadium, after several concerts were held at the venue.

The Harimau Malaya squad started centralised training camp at Wisma FAM yesterday in preparation for the third Group D match against Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat on March 21, before returning home for the fourth match at Bukit Jalil on March 26.

Meanwhile, Hannah said the launch of the Safe Sports Code video - involving national gymnastics queen Farah Ann Abdul Hadi - aims to raise awareness and promote safe sports practices.

She said, KBS will work with several parties to show the video, which explains the Safe Sports Code and how to make a report, in public places.

"Since launching the Safe Sports Code last year, we have received commitment from more than 1,000 parties consisting of sports associations, athletes and several ministries. This awareness is important because the responsibility of creating a safe environment is shared by all parties, including parents and schools," she said.

In other developments, Hannah launched the Community Aerobics Programme at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Level 2024 held at Seri Selangor Public Housing Square, Cheras this morning.

The programme with the completion of 44 free aerobics series involving an allocation of RM430,000 in 43 People's Housing Projects (PPR) and Public Housing (PA), aims to cultivate sports and active lifestyle practices among the people. 

-- BERNAMA