Inclusive progress: Amirudin (second from left) presenting a token of appreciation to Tengku Amir Shah during the handover ceremony of the letter of acceptance relating to the Shah Alam Sports Complex development – which is highlighted in a model at Shah Alam i-City. With them are Saipolyazan (far left) and Imran (far right). — KK SHAM/The Star
SHAH ALAM: The new Shah Alam Sports Complex (SASC) will set the stage for a new era of sustainable urban development in Selangor, says Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
He said the development of SASC is in line with his vision of making Selangor more inclusive, forward-thinking and focused on long-term sustainability, where everyone has the opportunity to grow, thrive and prosper.
“In 2023, Selangor emerged as Malaysia’s top economic contributor, accounting for 25.9% of the national gross domestic product.
“With a target of RM50bil in investments for 2024, and a longer-term goal of contributing RM500bil to the national economy within the next three years, we are determined to build a stronger Selangor in the future.
“However, the true strength of Selangor isn’t just in figures or rankings, but in the well-being of our people.
“Progress means little if it leaves our people behind,” Tengku Amir Shah said during the handover ceremony of the letter of acceptance relating to SASC development between Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) and its appointed project contractor Lembaran Prospek Sdn Bhd (LPSB) here yesterday.
The ceremony was to formalise the appointment of LPSB by MBI to construct and complete SASC.
Also present was Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
According to Tengku Amir Shah, Selangor’s development blueprint will now adopt sustainable solutions that integrate biodiversity with infrastructure, which is a part of the “forward-looking agenda” represented by SASC.
“SASC represents a seismic shift in our approach to urban renewal and development by establishing a new gold standard in the design, construction and stewardship of public spaces.
“For example, the SASC Park, which is a community hub that forms a major component of the overall SASC development, will see for the first time the implementation of ecological restoration through nature-based solutions.
“Underneath the complex, a state-of-the-art and fully automated underground flood mitigation system, including a 4ha retention pond, will also be built to manage stormwater and alleviate flooding in Shah Alam’s most vulnerable zones,” he said.
Tengku Amir Shah said SASC represents a forward-looking commitment to improve Selangor’s long-term liveability and quality of life by going beyond conventional infrastructure upgrades.
“This new approach to urban development reflects a philosophy rooted in foresight, innovation and responsibility. This will be the benchmark for how we do things in Selangor, now and in the future,” he said.
Tengku Amir Shah added that he is committed to continue working together with Amirudin to transform the state into a dynamic and modern metropolis that is defined by benchmark-setting amenities, cutting-edge infrastructure and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said SASC will become a sustainable multifunctional hub that integrates together the elements of sports, retail and entertainment.
“Unlike the old facility which served mainly as a football stadium and was only used for fewer than 30 days a year, the new SASC is reimagined to be a lively and multifunctional space that is created to be utilised throughout the year.
“It will be equipped with facilities such as a closed multipurpose hall, football training field, art, culture and event space as well as a lifestyle shopping centre that comes together with a food and beverage space.
“The SASC masterplan will also prioritise accessibility with its connection to LRT3 as well as existing mobility efforts in the state such as the Smart Selangor buses and demand-responsive transit vans,” Amirudin said.
He added that SASC will include a 30.99ha space for landscape that comes with botanical gardens, jogging and cycling trails as well as pedestrian-friendly paths.
During the ceremony, Tengku Amir Shah and Amirudin witnessed the handover of the letter of acceptance by MBI group chief executive officer Datuk Saipolyazan M. Yusop to MRCB group managing director Datuk Imran Salim, who was representing LPSB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MRCB Land Sdn Bhd.