By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, July 15 — The Selangor government has handed over a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) for a detailed proposal on redeveloping the nearly 30-year-old Shah Alam Stadium and its surroundings, today.
Selangor State Secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim presented the LOI to MRCB’s executive vice president Datuk Dell Akbar Khan Hyder Khan in a ceremony held at the Selangor State Secretariat Building, witnessed by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
According to the conditions of the LOI, MRCB is required to have a detailed discussion with the state government on the plans for a sports complex and the infrastructure in the area around the stadium.
Amirudin said that MRCB was appointed after a rigorous selection exercise, which saw 15 other companies taking part, including international-linked and other public-listed companies.
He the decision for the new development plan was decided following long and thorough deliberation since 2013.
As the former state executive councillor for youth, sports, culture and entrepreneurship and manager of the Selangor Football Team from 2015 to 2017, Amirudin said he is well aware of the issues on the Shah Alam Stadium.
“We are aware of the public feedback over the Shah Alam Stadium. Some would want us to fix this sporting facility and bring back its glory days while others feel that we should rebuild it with modern facilities and start afresh.
“So far, we have studied the proposals and views received and they will be forwarded to the developer for consideration. Based on the latest study, the total costs to repair and refurbish the Shah Alam Stadium is RM787 million,” he said.
While there are concerns that the project would put a strain on state finances at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet, Amiruind said that the project would be a public-private partnership with a win-win solution.
“As far as we are concerned, no public funds will be used for this project. This is not just a financially sustainable undertaking, but also an environmentally-sustainable one, especially at its surrounding areas.
“We also expect tremendous spillover economic effects, not just at its surrounding areas, but also to Selangor as a whole,” he said, adding that the project will leverage of the area’s already-existing attractions, such as the LRT3 station that is scheduled to be operational by 2024.
Meanwhile, the Menteri Besar said that an exhibition on the new development of the Shah Alam sports complex will be held latest by September to give the public a better understanding of the concerns underlying the proposed redevelopment project.
The public is also invited to share their feedback on the proposed sports complex by submitting their ideas to @KompleksSukanSA on Facebook and Twitter.
