UPGRADING of Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026 venues managed by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) are about 80% complete, with facilities expected to be handed over by June.
Shah Alam mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar said preparations were underway since last year, when the date for the biennial games was announced.
Selangor is hosting the 22nd edition of the games.
Zabidah said works at the Section 4 volleyball facility, as well as Dewan Besar Tanjung MBSA and the adjacent beach volleyball court in Section 19, were progressing steadily.
She said the Section 4 facility was nearing completion, with works involving upgrades to changing rooms, mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems, the parking area and surau facilities.
“For Section 19, involving the beach volleyball venue, MBSA is upgrading the existing roof and air-conditioning, and progress is close to 80%,” she said at the city council’s full board meeting.
All three venues are scheduled for handover to Selangor State Sports Council (MSNS) in June.
Further enhancements are currently being carried out at the Section 19 indoor venues, specifically Dewan Teratai and Dewan Bunga Tanjung.
Zabidah said these works included the addition of toilets, including OKU-friendly facilities, and upgraded changing rooms for athletes.
“We are also increasing the lighting levels to 1,200lux, as the venue will be used for live broadcasts during the volleyball events,” she said.
She added that the facilities would also host Para Sukma events, including boccia competitions.
On the long-term use of the sites, MBSA deputy secretary (Management) Shahrin Ahmad said the upgraded venues would not be reserved solely for elite sports.
“After Sukma and ParaSukma, we will open the facilities to the community and local volleyball associations,” he said.
He assured that Dewan Teratai, a popular location for weddings and meetings, would remain available for public hire.
“As long as there is no clash in bookings and applications are made through MBSA, the halls will remain open for community use,” he said.
StarMetro, in a report last Nov 17, highlighted that the three Shah Alam venues would be upgraded as they required modernisation to meet competition standards.
Sukma 2026 is scheduled to take place from Aug 15 to 24, after the Sultan of Selangor granted consent for the Games to go ahead following measures by organisers to reduce expenditure.
A total of 37 sports will be contested, including the addition of silambam, muay thai and petanque.
