KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor is set to have a new iconic landmark in the heart of its capital.
To be known initially as the Selangor Sports Complex (KSS), the now dilapidated Shah Alam Stadium will be torn down to make way for this massive project, covering an area of some 200 acres.
Also to be torn down is the Malawati Indoor Stadium.
Set to be in place is a state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of between 35,000 and 45,000 people, with a fixed sky-light roof, removable pitch and ample parking.
The project will also ultimately address the issue of flooding that has been besieging the location in recent years. This is because the stadium will be elevated to match the existing road level, adjacent to the stadium area.
Menteri Besar Inc (MB Inc) has signed a letter of intent with Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB), which will likely be the developer of the project aimed also at promoting youth-centric sports and activities.
MB Inc chief executive officer Norita Mohd Sidek said the public were encouraged to provide their suggestions or feedback on the project via kssa.maklumbalas@gmail.com.
MRCB group managing director Imran Salim in a briefing to the media yesterday said the new stadium would address concerns of floods and other issues.
Previously, the 83,000-capacity stadium made headlines as it had major structural defects with a poor pitch, leaking roof and rotting structure, rendering it unsafe. The stadium is the home of 33-time Malaysia Cup champions Selangor.
Currently, the stadium and its surrounding facilities costs around RM5million to RM6 million to maintain per annum as it is not generating enough revenue as a standalone entity.
Targeted at completion date of up to four-years with the work starting as soon as they sign the agreement with the state government as part of a transparency process, the Shah Alam Stadium will maintain its iconic silhouette.
He said the new stadium would meet Fifa standards, crucial for international football competitions.
"The existing stadium will be demolished and rebuilt because the scheme that we are suggesting will address the flooding issue, efficiency of the stadium, traffic and not enough parking as well as creating a recreational area," said Imran.
Citing the Christchurch Stadium in New Zealand, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the United Kingdom and State Farm Stadium in Arizona, the United States, KSS too, he said, would be self-sustaining with its own revenue generation and at least 200 calendar events a year. The complex would boast a removable pitch, allowing a change of events in under 24 hours.
This would facilitate other sporting events like hockey, rugby and concerts.
"We want to ensure that spectators are given the best views as we maintain the bowl design. We have seating spaces especially for Selangor's Ultras (900 seats), and there will be ease of movement in and around the compound," said Imran.
"But, need we remind that the concept is that this is a football stadium first. It will be self-sustaining and self-sufficient. The more sinking funds we can set aside the better."
The 28-year-old stadium first saw roof bits falling onto the pitch in 2020 and it was closed, forcing Selangor out of their home and into the MBPJ Stadium. It faced more problems when the big Klang Valley flood hit late last year that saw the pitch inundated for two weeks. This was the second time it had been damaged by the floods with the first in 2015.