Stadium Sultan Suleiman being unavailable leaves regulars and senior citizens with limited, and often times dangerous, alternatives. — Filepic
I am writing to express my disappointment with Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) over the closure of Stadium Sultan Suleiman.
According to the council’s notice, the facility is shut from Jan 1 to Nov 30 this year for upgrading works.
As a regular at the stadium since 1995 and a resident of the city for 48 years, I have seen first-hand how vital the facility is to our community’s physical health and social well-being.
Sadly, we began the New Year with a major setback – the stadium is now completely inaccessible.
While I understand that maintenance or upgrades are necessary, the prolonged nature of this closure – and lack of clear communication – is becoming a significant issue.
Despite the sign, no work has begun on the premises.
This lack of activity is unacceptable for a taxpayer-funded asset.
The closure leaves regular runners with limited and often dangerous alternatives.
The nearest option, Pandamaran Sports Complex, is partially under construction while the track is unsafe as it is also used for commercial activities and poorly maintained.
A notice by MBDK on the complete closure of Stadium Sultan Suleiman Klang for 11 months.
The next best alternative is Shah Alam National Sports Complex (Panasonic Stadium), but it is about 18km from the heart of Klang.
As it stands, many locals now share public roads with traffic to do some form of exercise.
While some manage, what about our senior citizens? The stadium has for years provided a safe space for them to walk and socialise.
Where do they go for 11 months?
There is also no guarantee, based on past experience, that the project will be completed during the given timeframe.
I agree that the stadium bathrooms have been in a rundown state for years and need urgent rectification.
However, why did it take MBDK so long to address basic maintenance?
Klang has been granted city status, yet the state of its public amenities remains appalling.
For MBDK, it may be just another project, but for us, it is a loss of recreational rights.
I urge MBDK to provide a response addressing the specific scope of work necessitating a total closure, a definitive reopening date and the possibility of partial access (for example, track-only use during morning and evening hours) if a full reopening is not possible.
Dr Sivabalan Suppiah
Klang, Selangor
