JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today launched four new stadiums for the state, which will propel sports development not only in the Johor but also the country.
He described the stadium projects, Arena Larkin and the Mount Austin track and field stadium, as "special and unique" as it will be built by two giant state government companies namely Johor Corporation and Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd, respectively.
“For two state government-owned companies to undertake such massive projects is a testament of the state's prowess as an economic powerhouse,” Najib said at the launch ceremony at the Tan Sri Dato' Haji Hassan Yunos stadium in Larkin.
The prime minister is currently on a two-day working visit to Johor beginning today.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said Arena Larkin reflects the state government's commitment to realise the transformation via sports.
It is also aimed at preparing the state as it will host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 2020.
“As a trendsetter in sports, Johor aims to be the best Sukma host. Although Sukma is a national level games, we aim to provide world-class facilities,” he said.
Arena Larkin will be developed by a Johor Corporation subsidiary, Johor Land Bhd (JLand). The project covers 104 acres including the construction of the Johor Baru City Council's 7,000-capacity indoor stadium with badminton and sepak takraw courts. This will also include the refurbishment of the council's existing swimming complex into an aquatic centre and the Tan Sri Dato' Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin, which will be a full football stadium.
JLand will also construct a one-kilometre Boulevard linking the Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal to the stadium.
Several areas at Arena Larkin have been earmarked for commercial activities related to sports.
The Arena Larkin project, budgeted at RM350 million, is expected to be completed in 2020.
Meanwhile, the Mount Austin 5,000-capacity track and field stadium is a project by Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd. It will be equipped, among others, with a running track, training field, futsal courts and a world-class gymnasium.
The RM89 million infrastructure will take 36 months to complete.