Jay Chou says prepared to postpone Bukit Jalil concert
PETALING JAYA: King of Mandopop Jay Chou says he’s willing to postpone his concert pending the results of the AFF Mitsubishi Football Cup semi-final match between Malaysia and Thailand on Saturday (Jan 7) night.
If Malaysia makes it to the finals scheduled to take place on Jan 16, then it would be up to the football authorities and concert organiser whether another date change will happen
The highly anticipated semi-final match is scheduled to take place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium later tonight.
However, 21,000 seats at the stadium would have to be vacated to make way for stage installation works for Chou’s concert, scheduled on Jan 15.
This concert has been postponed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The concert has angered many football fans who attacked the Taiwanese singer on Instagram as the concert stage structure, which was in the process of being installed, would result in seat shortage at the stadium.
On the other hand, Chou’s fans in Malaysia criticised those who harassed the celebrity on social media.
“Slamming Chou as if he manages the location and the date (of his concert). He is just an artiste who was invited to entertain his fans in Malaysia. It is senseless and uncivilised for Malaysians to attack him,” said a user named Weisin.
On Friday night, Chou posted an Instagram story that he was okay with another postponement because he understood Malaysians take football seriously.
“To all Malaysian football fans, I know how important football is to you. I have no problem accommodating and postponing (my concert).
“What’s important is that you should check with your football authorities or the organiser whether they can allow me to postpone. I have no problem with that.
“I just want to sing for my fans. I hope everyone is happy when they come to my concert,” he wrote.
The Star has since contacted Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for comments.
She had said earlier that the concert organisers had booked the stadium four years in advance.
“The booking for the Jay Chou World Tour was made in March 2019 whereas the Football Association of Malaysia booked the stadium for AFF 2022 in August 2022,” she added.