Underutilised futsal court to be used for racquet sports

Mohamed Hamka showing the site where new pickleball courts will be built. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

FACILITIES for racquet sports, pickleball and paddle ball will be built at the underused futsal grounds in SS7, Kelana Jaya.

Petaling Jaya mayor Moha­mad Zahri Samingon said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had approved the specifications for the new pickleball and paddle ball courts.

“The development of both these racquet sport courts are under a public-private partnership that involves a collaboration between MBPJ and a private company.

“We have inked an agreement where the firm builds and manages the facilities,” he said.

Both sports can be played with either two or four players.

Pickleball is a smaller version of tennis, whereas paddle ball is a mix of tennis and squash, where the ball is allowed to bounce off a wall.

Like tennis, both versions have a centre net, but they have different rules of play and scoring.

The hard court used to be a futsal court.

Mohamad Zahri said the partnership would see MBPJ renting out the space while the company would operate and manage the facilities for 21 years.

“Agreements of this nature are common in infrastructure projects, including sports facilities.

“It allows for leveraging private investment and expertise while ensuring public benefit.

“We can realise the project development at faster speed as private firms can expedite the process of creating new facilities after the council gives the needed approvals,” he said.

Mohamad Zahri said appro­val had been given for six in­door pickleball courts, six outdoor pickleball courts, two indoor paddle ball courts and one outdoor paddle ball court.

“Construction involves demo­lishing the old futsal ­concrete floor before building the new courts.”

Work is expected to start in July and be completed in November, he said.

MBPJ councillor for SS7 Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah said having smart partnerships like this could create high-quality facilities and provide good financial returns for MBPJ.

“Pickleball and paddle ball are popular. They have the potential to foster community engagement and increase property values in surrounding areas,” he said.

The decision to have pickleball courts came after Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amiru­din Shari announced, when tabling the state’s Budget 2025, that the state would introduce it as a medal sport when it hosts the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). — By EDWARD RAJENDRA