Aerial view of MBSA’s proposed sports complex site on 3.6ha of land in Denai Alam. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
SHAH Alam City Council (MBSA) plans to build a 15,000-seater sports complex in U16 Denai Alam, Selangor.
Costing an estimated RM60mil, the complex, which will be built on council land, will see adoption of sustainable technologies on the 3.6ha plot sandwiched between Persiaran Neutron and a cluster of high-end homes off Jalan Elektron U16/80.
MBSA architects from the Building Department, along with planners and engineers, envision turning the rectangular parcel of land into a sports hub.
Shah Alam mayor Cheremi Tarman, a civil engineer, said the Denai Alam Sports Complex (DASC) U16 would be equipped with alternative sources of energy that would see a big drop in carbon footprint and cost.
“Our investment in the sports complex for sustainable initiatives such as installation of solar panels to reduce energy consumption, capturing and re-using rainwater and use of wind turbines for natural air ventilation is part of our effort to embrace environmental, social and economic factors for a green sporting venue,” he said.
To contribute to a greener Shah Alam, Cheremi said they opted for solar panels that generated renewable electricity to reduce the amount of carbon emissions each year.
“DASC will have a main sports complex area with an artificial turf field and race track.
“Other facilities are a multipurpose sports arena, indoor sports facility, gymnasium, cafeteria, food outlets, convenience store, management office, prayer room, shower cubicles and toilets,” he said.
MBSA Building Department architectural draughtsman Ahmad Nazmi Samingan (right) and assistant architect Azmi Mohd Aris during a survey of the proposed site for the Denai Alam Sports Complex.
MBSA will build a five-level carpark with about 500 parking bays.
Based on feedback, he said, people wanted sustainable design and construction to reduce the impact on the environment.
“We will start construction in December 2025 and it will take four years to complete.
“The first phase is the main complex and second phase will include the rest of the components,” he told StarMetro.
MBSA Building Department director Noraidah Basri said sports complexes were known for their high energy consumption, from use of floodlights to maintaining comfortable temperatures for spectators.
“Construction of DASC will embrace sustainable innovations to achieve energy efficiency.
“Our warm climate will see buildings oriented north or south to capture wind flow,” she said.
Noraidah says the sports complex will embrace sustainable innovations to achieve energy efficiency.
Noraidah, who is an architect, said the plan would see the integration of solar panels, wind turbines, rain harvesters and LED lighting for outdoor areas, walkways and even at the carparks.
“Our design incorporates water conservation where we have taken into account climate change and the El Nino effect that could potentially cause prolonged droughts,” she said, referring to a National Water Research Institute of Malaysia study that predicts drought affecting the country in 2026 due to rising heat conditions.
“Water shortage is a concern. DASC is an asset for the eco-conscious Shah Alam community and MBSA is not exempt from the responsibility to reduce water usage.
“Our council’s climate pledge is to instal water-efficient fixtures and rain harvesters,” said Noraidah, adding that these not only reduced water usage but also contributed to the overall resilience of DASC in the face of changing climate patterns.
Cheremi: Solar panels will generate renewable electricity to reduce the amount of carbon emissions each year.
“Sports complexes need to evolve from total concrete into hubs of biodiversity.
“We have designed green spaces with walk paths lined with shade trees, not only for aesthetic appeal but as habitats for flora and fauna to thrive.”
Noraidah added that the mix of sustainable landscaping practices would help curb the urban heat island effect.
“Due to the impact of intense rains, the sports complex would be built on elevated terrain.
“The existing ground would not be levelled as we will use the natural hillock to assist in surface run-off that uses gravity,” she said.
She added that MBSA would delve into smart technology to control lighting based on seated capacities and mobile apps that offered users sustainable transportation options.
“Innovations are crucial, it will contribute to a user-friendly sports complex environment.”
On sports hubs seeing large crowds that would contribute to more traffic, she said, “Sports complexes do encounter challenges connected to transportation.
Serjeet: MBSA is not only creating an iconic venue but advocating environmental stewardship for future generations.
“Overcoming this issue requires innovative strategies.
“We hope to get public transit like the LRT to have a line close to DASC, free shuttle buses and cycling infrastructure.”
Shah Alam residents, she added, had suggested partnerships with ride-sharing services for discounted rates as this would see more people opt for hassle-free commute.
To cut down on carbon emissions, MBSA also plans to instal electric vehicle charging stations, said Noraidah.
Serjeet Singh, former sportsman and hockey umpire in the 1980s, said MBSA’s plan to build an environmentally sustainable sports complex that used renewable energy was forward thinking.
“MBSA is not only creating an iconic venue but also advocating environmental stewardship for future generations,” he added.
Chow says sustainable sports complex shows city council’s pivotal shift in environmental responsibility.
City councillor Muhammad Shakir Ameer Mohideen said MBSA’s plan would help reduce its carbon footprint.
“It will influence sports fans to follow new standards in caring for the environment.
“It is more than a sports complex as the venue could also be used for community, educational and school events,” he added.
Councillor Vincent Chow said MBSA’s approach in building a sports complex with a sustainable future was a pivotal shift in environmental responsibility.
“Efforts of this nature will encourage a broader acceptance that will see private sectors following suit,” he added.
