MACC report triggers fresh scrutiny over Bukit Jalil stadium upgrades

KUALA LUMPUR: A RM24 million upgrade at the national stadium in Bukit Jalil is under fresh scrutiny after a contractor filed a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

The complaint focuses on two tenders linked to preparations for the 2027 SEA Games. These involve a new running track and a protective flooring system used during concerts and large events.

The contractor lodged the report at MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Tuesday.

One key issue involves the selection of China’s JRace prefabricated track system.

The complainant said several international brands took part in the tender process. Some are used at Olympic and world-level events.

The complaint states that shortlisted bids were priced in a similar range reportedly between RM14 million and RM15 million.

It questions why JRace was chosen when other established systems were available at similar prices.

It also raises concerns about how evaluators assessed durability, competition history and long-term value.

World Athletics records show JRace has only one certified 2025 Class 1 facility at the Beiyuan Track and Field Stadium in Chongqing, China.

The complainant asked MACC to review whether the evaluation process followed proper procurement standards.

A second complaint targets the tender for protective flooring at the stadium.

The system protects the track during high-impact events.

The contractor said bidders were not asked to present live demonstrations. No product testing or technical presentations were carried out, the complaint alleges.

It also claims a higher-priced bid won the contract. Lower-priced bidders had submitted complete technical documents, according to the report.

The complaint raises concerns about possible bias in the evaluation process and calls for an MACC investigation into the award decision.

In response to earlier queries from FMT, the Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) said the tenders followed government procurement rules.

PSM said the existing track, installed before the 2017 SEA Games, had reached the end of its service life.

It said wear and ageing made replacement necessary.

PSM added that it used an open tender process, saying both technical and financial factors were evaluated.

The corporation also said the selected JRace system met World Athletics Class 1 standards.

However, PSM did not respond directly to several questions raised by industry observers.

These included whether bidders gave live presentations. It also did not clarify whether evaluators visited stadiums using the systems.

Questions also remain over whether independent experts took part in the evaluation.

PSM also did not confirm if comparative testing was carried out for the protective flooring system.

The national stadium remains central to Malaysia’s 2027 SEA Games preparations.

It hosts athletics, football matches and large-scale public events throughout the year.

Industry figures said surface quality directly affects athlete safety. It also affects maintenance costs and long-term stadium performance.

They added that major public infrastructure projects must balance cost, durability and international sporting standards.

المصدر: Free Malaysia Today