Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam, Selangor, is on schedule to be ready by mid-June as refurbishment works for the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) continue to pick up pace.
State youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the project remained on track, having met its recent progress milestones.
“On March 1, the target was for works to reach 61% completion, but the latest progress has now hit 65% (this month),” he told StarMetro.
Najwan said the upgrade involved a comprehensive venue overhaul, including competition pools, rest rooms and new spectator seating.
“The upgrade involves refurbishing the full range of facilities to enhance comfort and the overall user experience.
“The facility has never undergone a full refurbishment since it began operations,” he added.
Opened in 1997, the centre’s first major competition was Sukma 1998.
The current works represent its first significant facelift in almost 30 years, said Najwan.
“This refurbishment is also to ensure the centre complies with international standards and is capable of hosting competitions at various levels.”
The aquatic centre is a key venue being prepared for Sukma 2026, which Selangor will host from Aug 15 to 24.
Earlier this year, Najwan identified the facility and Subang Shooting Range as the two main venues undergoing comprehensive upgrades for the Games.
He added that the state government was relying on upgrading existing venues rather than building new sports infrastructure, citing cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Selangor has estimated that hosting Sukma 2026 will cost about RM250mil.
In March, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the aquatic complex was expected to be fully completed by June, thereby allowing sufficient time for athletes to prepare before the Games begin.
A total of 474 events across 37 sports will be contested at Sukma 2026, spread across 52 venues in nine districts.
This will be followed by Para Sukma in September.
