No Damage To National Hockey Stadium Pitch Due To Concerts - Hannah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) – There has been no damage to the pitch of the National Hockey Stadium due to concerts hosted there, said Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh.

She said that the stadium has hosted three concerts so far, with two more scheduled until the end of the year.

Perbadanan Stadium Nasional, she said, has developed specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in collaboration with the turf supplier to ensure the safety of the pitch and that these included using protective covers recommended by the original turf supplier to safeguard it from heavy loads.

"Any booking of the stadium must comply with the strict SOP, including covering the turf with the recommended protective covers," she said when winding up debate on the Supply Bill (2025 Budget) at the committee stage for her ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She added that the usage ratio of the National Hockey Stadium is 60:40, with 60 per cent dedicated to sports events and 40 per cent for non-sport events. 

Concerts will only be allowed if they do not overlap with hockey events, she said.

Hannah further reported that, as of October, 16,000 students have had the opportunity to engage in sports activities for free at facilities managed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), especially at Bukit Jalil.

Commenting on assistance to sports associations and clubs, Hannah said RM35.4 million has been approved through the Sports Matching Grant for 307 applications.

Additionally, the Community Sports Fund has approved RM20 million for 1,207 applications, while RM4.5 million from Kumpulan Wang Amanah Sukan Negara has been allocated for 72 sports events.

She explained that these funds aim to support the organisation of events as well as the preparation and identification of potential athletes.

-- BERNAMA