Bukit jalil: The Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the main home ground of Harimau Malaya, has received an excellent rating with a score of 86 per cent under the FIFA Natural Playing Surfaces Quality Programme.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Stadium Corporation (PSM) chief executive officer Iliyas Jamil announced that the rating was awarded last week following pitch quality tests conducted by the relevant parties in October. This marks the first occasion the stadium has undergone a FIFA rating exercise, a proposal initially put forth by PSM board of directors member Datuk Windsor Paul.

Iliyas Jamil highlighted that achieving an 86 per cent score in the assessment is significant as it surpasses the 85 per cent threshold needed for an excellent rating. He also emphasized the dedication of PSM staff who have worked diligently to maintain the pitch's quality, despite the stadium hosting various concerts.

He noted that through the development of an internal Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the staff have successfully preserved the grass's condition. Furthermore, he pointed out that the expertise used to maintain the playing surface is entirely local, and PSM is open to sharing their knowledge with other interested parties.