SHAH ALAM: Set to become a new iconic landmark in Selangor, Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) promises not only to breathe new life into Shah Alam but also elevate the status of the capital city to stand tall alongside Kuala Lumpur.
Once fully completed in 2029, the KSSA, which will house a futuristic stadium with state-of-the-art facilities and a transportation hub, including a new integrated terminal linked to a Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) line, will also complement ongoing initiatives to resolve problems faced by the people in Shah Alam, such as the perennial flooding and traffic congestion.
The KSSA will also emphasise environmental sustainability, bringing Shah Alam a step closer towards becoming a sustainable city.
Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Yatim said the KSSA has the potential to draw more local and foreign tourists and complement MBSA's 2022 master plan to mitigate floods and traffic.
"The spillover from the development of the KSSA will bring a positive impact and change the image of Shah Alam. Based on its futuristic design and features, the KSSA will become the new iconic landmark of Shah Alam."
One such impact, he said, is on how it will improve the ongoing initiatives to reduce the occurrence of floods in Shah Alam.
Fauzi said this will come in the form of a 4.04-hectare area within the KSSA, which will serve as a water catchment area during downpours. This, he added, will be maintained and supervised by the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
"This area will act as a veritable 'water retention pond' during heavy rain. On clear days, this will become a recreational area for the people to have activities with their families or for those who simply want to enjoy nature and the environment.
"So, this will be a unique attraction that can draw people to Shah Alam," he said.
The old Shah Alam Stadium, he said, had outlived its purpose.
"We see the old stadium with its facilities as no longer meeting current needs. That is why with the KSSA, we can offer even more facilities and benefits to the people, not just in Shah Alam but also beyond," he said.
Fauzi said MBSA has formulated a master plan to address the flooding issues, which will involve having the drainage system channel water directly to Sungai Damansara during floods.
"Our current drainage system in Seksyen 13 comprises five water pumps that will be activated in the event Shah Alam experiences overwhelming rainfall," he said.
He said the addition of an integrated transport terminal linked to the LRT3 line as part of the KSSA will have a major impact on addressing traffic issues in Shah Alam.
"This will encourage people to take public transportation instead of relying on private vehicles, thus directly reducing the number of cars on the road," he said.
Fauzi said KSSA's wealth of features can make it a potential tourism draw, thus further boosting local economy.
He said the KSSA will eventually be able to host major national and international events thanks to the new stadium's characteristics, including its transparent roof, retractable pitch and temperature-regulated seats.
"These features mean that the stadium will not only be limited to hosting football or sporting events, but also others (without affecting the football pitch).
"The presence of an indoor theatre also means that the KSSA can make Shah Alam a hub for arts and culture events, making it an even more attractive draw for people to flock to the city.
"We also envision creating an annual programme which can bring together movers and shakers of the arts and culture scene, both local and abroad. This will harness the full capabilities of the new indoor theatre and drive the economy even further," he said.