The works involve two major packages — a new running track and protective flooring for the stadium ahead of the 2027 SEA Games.

The Malaysia Stadium Corporation (PSM) confirmed in a statement to FMT that it selected China’s JRace prefabricated system after the product met technical requirements and World Athletics standards.

However, PSM did not disclose the contract value or name the successful contractor.

Industry estimates place the running track package at about RM16 million, while the combined value of both projects is believed to be around RM24 million.

PSM said evaluators assessed technical capability, pricing and performance before making a decision.

But the corporation did not explain how officials compared rival systems or whether evaluators carried out live demonstrations, product testing or site inspections before finalising the award.

PSM also did not answer questions on whether officials visited the one stadium in China already using the JRace system.

The national stadium hosts international athletics meets, national training programmes, concerts and major public events throughout the year.

It currently uses a Mondo surface installed ahead of the 2017 SEA Games.

That has sparked questions within parts of the athletics and sports infrastructure sector over why authorities decided to move away from an established Olympic-level surface.

Some stakeholders are also asking whether pricing and administrative considerations outweighed long-term performance and international track record.

PSM said synthetic tracks usually require replacement after eight to 10 years because wear and deterioration can affect safety and athlete performance.

It, however, gave little detail about the separate tender for protective flooring used during concerts and large commercial events.

Doubts over benchmarking

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

Stakeholders said that does not automatically disqualify the system.

However, they argued that limited international use should have triggered deeper technical scrutiny and closer comparison against surfaces used at Olympic Games and world championships.

Several industry figures questioned whether evaluators obtained sufficient evidence on durability, rebound consistency, injury protection and long-term performance under elite competition conditions.

Others argued that projects of this scale require more than paperwork assessments.

They said evaluators should conduct live demonstrations, technical presentations and operational site visits before selecting a system for the country’s premier athletics venue.

Pricing under scrutiny

Questions have also emerged over pricing and value-for-money considerations.

Some stakeholders asked whether officials benchmarked the project against established premium brands before selecting JRace.

Others questioned why authorities chose a less established system despite reports that pricing differences may not have been substantial.

They also asked whether lower manufacturing costs linked to China-made systems translated into lower prices for Malaysia.

Several quizzed whether evaluators fully weighed maintenance costs, durability and international credibility before making the final decision.

One local company claimed Malaysia Athletics issued a support letter backing the proposed JRace surface.

It asked whether Malaysia Athletics carried out an independent technical assessment, whether athletes or coaches tested the surface, and whether the governing body relied on formal trials, supplier briefings or overseas inspections before issuing support.

PSM did not clarify Malaysia Athletics’ role in the process when contacted.

Complaints over flooring tender, wider implications

The protective flooring package has produced a separate set of complaints from participating bidders.

One contractor claimed evaluators did not conduct interviews, product demonstrations or live testing sessions during the assessment process.

The bidder also questioned why officials reportedly selected a higher-priced submission over lower bids from competing companies.

One complainant has submitted letters to the youth and sports ministry, finance ministry and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission seeking closer investigation of the exercise.

The firm claimed evaluators did not offer clarification sessions or opportunities to address technical concerns during assessment.

It also questioned the speed of the exercise, arguing that the process moved unusually quickly for a project involving one of the country’s most important sporting venues.

PSM did not respond directly to the allegations. The corporation also did not clarify whether evaluators carried out comparative demonstrations, mock-ups or live product assessments for the flooring package.

The national stadium remains one of Malaysia’s busiest multi-purpose venues and serves as the country’s flagship athletics stadium.

Stakeholders said decisions involving both the running track and protective flooring could affect athlete performance, maintenance costs, venue operations and Malaysia’s sporting reputation.

At the time of writing, authorities had not announced the final breakdown of awards for either package.