Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated group chief executive officer Saipolyazan M. Yusop explains to HANA NAZ HARUN how Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam will benefit not just athletes and sports fans but also the wider community.
THE state-of-the-art Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) promises to redefine the sporting, cultural, and entertainment landscapes of Selangor.
The ambitious project would be executed in three phases, starting with the construction of a new main stadium, an outdoor sports area, a parking plaza, and an integrated transportation terminal, with the first phase to be completed by 2026.
The second phase would focus on developing commercial and cultural facilities, including a sports wing, a youth wing, a theatre, retail outlets, and a recreational area.
The final phase would add further infrastructure including a hotel. Phases two and three are slated for completion in 2028 and 2029, respectively.
Among the star features of the main stadium is a retractable pitch, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
This would ease pitch maintenance and allow other sporting activities such as hockey, tennis, and even performances to be held in the stadium without affecting the pitch.
WHY REBUILD, NOT RENOVATE?
Critics have questioned the need for a full-scale development, saying that renovating or refurbishing the old stadium might be more cost-effective than tearing it down and building a new one.
However, Saipolyazan said constructing a new structure would be more practical and economical due to the old stadium's severe dilapidation and the extensive, costly repairs it would require.
"Apart from the stadium's roof, the electrical and mechanical systems are beyond economical repair, particularly after the severe floods of late 2021.
"Maintenance costs would surpass the expense of purchasing new equipment, which we will replace with more energy-efficient ones.
"While the initial investment (to build a new complex) is more expensive, we would be reducing the cost in the long term."
He said while he understood the sentimental value the old stadium held, building a new venue with a smaller capacity would be more sustainable in the long run.
The current Shah Alam stadium has a capacity of 80,372. Saipolyazan said a capacity of between 40,000 and 45,000 would be ideal for a modern audience.
He added that the aim of the KSSA was to ensure that it could sustain itself financially.
"We can build a new stadium with a smaller capacity, and support income-generation via other elements such as a multi-use retractable pitch, retail outlets, and a theatre for arts and entertainment activities.
"We've conducted a thorough study. Our plan is to ensure the stadium remains sustainable."
SPURRING LOCAL ECONOMY
The KSSA will create numerous opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by integrating retail spaces into the complex.
Saipolyazan said the planned transport hub, shops, and restaurants would ensure a steady flow of visitors even during periods without sporting events.
"The area surrounding the stadium has long been renowned for its bazarena (Sunday markets).
"By incorporating retail spaces and a hotel alongside the integrated terminal, we anticipate an increase in foot traffic, offering the public access to recreational parks and outdoor sports facilities for activities such as football training," he noted.
This, he said, would have a positive ripple effect on the surrounding community and local businesses, not only in Seksyen 13 where the KSSA would be situated, but also in adjacent areas potentially boosting Shah Alam's economy.
Saipolyazan also touched on the role of KSSA's infrastructure and facilities in creating job opportunities.
"The addition of a hotel, food and beverage outlets, and retail shops is expected to generate employment across various sectors.
"This would include job opportunities in the technical sector, as well as in the green industry."
Apart from aiding SMEs, the inclusion of a theatre in the complex would also promote cultural and entertainment activities, in line with Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation's vision to honour the state's heritage.
ACTIVITY HUB FOR ALL
The KSSA will not only benefit athletes and sports enthusiasts, but also the broader community with its inclusive facilities.
"This is not an ordinary sports complex as it also incorporates holistic and inclusive elements. It is designed for the people of Shah Alam and beyond, catering to all ages and segments of society," said Saipolyazan.
He painted a vivid picture of the complex's potential: parents could drive to the facility in the morning and park at the multi-level parking plaza, while their children could arrive via the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3) or e-hailing services from college to the transportation hub.
"Families can meet at the complex and enjoy breakfast together at a cafe. While one child heads to the outdoor field for football training, the parents can relax and watch from the cafe, enjoying their coffee," he said.
For lunch, the family can head to the retail area, which has a comfortable surau. Later in the evening, they could take a stroll at the green park and along the wetlands, or indulge in retail therapy at the shops.
"At night, the father and son can go and watch a football match while the mother and daughter head to the theatre to catch a cultural show.
"The complex offers a lifestyle that the whole family can enjoy, from morning to night, complete with retail outlets and the appropriate facilities," he said.
PROPELLING SHAH ALAM TO THE FUTURE
Saipolyazan described the new stadium nestled within the complex as a "new arena" for the area, setting it apart from any other such facility in the country.
The KSSA, he said, would offer comprehensive infrastructure to accommodate both visitors and athletes.
"For example, the stadium will feature comfortable, temperature-regulated seats, modern amenities, a rest area, a surau, and cafes for visitors to enjoy before or during a game.
"We will also prioritise security by installing closed-circuit televisions and providing multiple entryways for visitors, teams, and VIPs," he said, adding that a motion study had been conducted to ensure optimal flow and safety.
Its versatility, such as its ability to hold separate events, he said, would also generate substantial returns, which would be reinvested into the maintenance and future upgrades of the complex.
"The 'legendary' Bazarena (Sunday market) is also a key attraction, and we plan to modernise it to enhance comfort for both traders and the community," he said.
MITIGATING CONSTRUCTION IMPACT ON RESIDENTS
Saipolyazan said the delay in demolition work was necessary for MBI to meet the requirements set by various agencies and authorities, including stakeholders such as the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the Public Works Department.
Since then, all requirements had been fulfilled, including a comprehensive traffic study to minimise the impact on local residents.
"We've looked at issues such as noise, dust, traffic, and sediment control during rain to ensure the safety of the residents, and so that traffic disruption is minimal.
"These considerations were all included in our submission to the local authority, so we can minimise, if not eliminate, pollution and disruption.
"This is all part of our method statement and mitigation plan."
TACKLING FLOODS, MEETING SDGs
When the big Klang Valley flood hit in late 2021, the Shah Alam stadium's pitch was inundated for two weeks.
Taking this into account, Saipolyazan said the KSSA design and construction would involve better drainage and stormwater management systems to reduce the risk of flooding.
"A portion of the land adjacent to the complex, about 10 acres (4 hectares), will be utilised to construct an underground storage tank, which will be managed by the Drainage and Irrigation Department for flood mitigation projects under the federal government.
"The tender process is ongoing and will be done concurrently with the KSSA project.
"With this, we will also solve flooding, which occurs frequently in Seksyen 13," he said.
The complex would also use bioswale systems designed to effectively manage stormwater runoff at the complex while removing debris and pollution.
Saipolyazan said the project would also include components that meet three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
"We are including renewable energy, providing accessible and environmentally friendly facilities, and reducing carbon footprint through the use of green technology, including energy-efficient equipment in the construction of the stadium.
"This is in line with the MBSA's aim of becoming a low carbon city by 2030."