PETALING JAYA, Jan 6 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has welcomed and appreciates Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s offer of Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor as an alternative venue for the Harimau Malaya squad.

Its minister, Hannah Yeoh said the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) club owner had contributed immensely to the local sports industry, especially in football.

"Of course, we welcome TMJ’s (Tunku Ismail) tweet as TMJ has helped KBS a lot,” she told reporters after officiating the Al-Ikhsan Sports x The MESSI Brand launch at Football Republic, Sunway Pyramid this afternoon.

Tunku Ismail had extended the offer yesterday night, a day after he watched the squad training at Wisma FAM grounds in Kelana Jaya.

The National Stadium, the Harimau Malaya homeground, which is packed with various events, including football matches, will be fully closed this March for maintence,including the planting of Zeon Zoysia grass to replace the existing cow’s grass field, and is said to be more suitable to the local weather and climate.

The cost of replanting is estimated to reach RM1.4 million and is personally sponsored by Tunku Ismail. — Bernama