KUALA LUMPUR – The new Shah Alam Stadium will be more than just a football stadium but a holistic venue for Selangor citizens, said Selangor FC chief executive officer (CEO) Johan Kamal Hamidon.
Speaking to The Vibes, Johan said the state government is on the right track to redevelop the stadium into more than just a sporting venue.
“It is a great concept by the Selangor menteri besar to make the new complex a more all-round facility that is more than just for football, but for members of the community to come together.
“I think a more appropriate term to use for it is not a stadium but a venue,” he said of the project that was unveiled on Friday.
Petang tadi telah berlangsung taklimat berkenaan cadangan pembangunan Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam. Cadangan rekabentuk telah dibentang. Orang ramai digalakkan menghantar maklumbalas menerusi emel [email protected] . Satu pameran akan dibuat beserta model rekabentuk tersebut pic.twitter.com/7YPbbsvT9v
— Amirudin Shari (@AmirudinShari) September 30, 2022
Johan praised Menteri Besar Selangor Inc (MBI) and the project’s developer, Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd, for retaining design influences from the current worn-out Shah Alam Stadium.
“To maintain the aesthetic and façade of the current stadium design is a great concept and idea.
“And to now upgrade that design into a more modern structure will make the stadium more relevant to the current times.
The iconic arch design means a lot to the people of Selangor and the football club fans as well. I am happy to see its influence shown in the new design.”
Johan added that for the Red Giants, the new ground will make a huge difference to the state’s football experience.
“I think for the new stadium to have a capacity of 35,000 to 45,000 is perfect.
“But I am sure that the stadium structure and design that the developers have in mind will most probably allow it to be fitted with additional seats over time, if needed.
“The modern aspects of the redevelopment will benefit the stadium and those that will be using it,” he added.
Currently, Selangor FC have been temporarily relocated to Petaling Jaya Stadium for their home games.
Johan had previously said regardless of whether the current Shah Alam Stadium would undergo refurbishment or complete redevelopment, the project was something every Selangorian should be excited about.
Recently, MBI CEO Norita Mohd Sidek said the new Shah Alam Sports Complex will not only include a state-of-the-art stadium, but also feature recreational facilities focused on the people of Selangor.
She had also said that the sports complex is meant to be an economic generator with commercial opportunities to help provide revenue to maintain the facility.
Currently MBI through its subsidiary Darul Ehsan Facilities Management Sdn Bhd spends between RM5-6 million annually just to maintain the stadium. – The Vibes, October 3, 2022