By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, July 18 — Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has today clarified that the RM787 million expenditure for the Shah Alam Stadium is the estimated cost for the repairs of the existing structure and its facilities rather than the construction of a new stadium.
According to the Menteri Besar, the task of raising the stadium platform by 1.5 metres to stop recurrent flooding and the replacement of the electrical wiring system is included in the high cost.
He said other expenses would be to replace the old roof structure and fix the football field and piping system.
“It is not only the cost for the Shah Alam Stadium but also involves the Malawati Indoor Stadium, which is located in the same area,” Amirudin said on Facebook today.
He clarified the debate surrounding the Shah Alam Stadium by pointing out that he had personally observed its condition while serving as the state executive councillor for sports and that the stadium held many fond memories for the Selangor football team.
“This issue is close to my heart and it also holds the memories of the Selangor football team winning the last Malaysia Cup,” Amirudin said.
He said he also to understands the grievances and frustrations of the people and football fans over the stadium’s status, but added that damage was done by the major floods in 2006, 2015, and 2021.
Amirudin added that since 2013, the state government had also spent RM56 million repairing the stadium’s roof, changing rooms, electrical wiring, and water drainage.
“The size and expensive cost of new materials have increased the expense of maintenance. The stadium and its facilities would likely cost a total of RM787 million to refurbish.
“This is based on the latest thorough study conducted last year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Sports Complex based on green and eco-friendly technology will not involve any state government funds whatsoever.
He said the decision was made after taking into account the exorbitant repair costs and the difficulties faced.
“After reviewing all proposals and working papers which have been accepted since 2013, the state government has decided to implement new development of the Shah Alam Sports Complex,” Amirudin said.
On Friday, he said that the repair works of the Shah Alam Stadium by the Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) will kick off next year and are expected to complete in 2026.
