by NURUL SUHAIDI/pic by Bernama

NO PUBLIC funds will be used for the redevelopment of Shah Alam Stadium (SAS), which is expected to cost about RM787 million.

Selangor Mentri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said today that the redevelopment project will be a public-private partnership.

“This redevelopment does not involve any state government funds, and will focus on green and environmentally-friendly technologies, as well as giving a new look to SAS.

This is a new era and a historic moment for all the people of Selangor,” Amirudin said in a statement published on his official Facebook page.

The MB also refuted claims that RM787 million cost is to build an entirely new stadium, saying that it will be used not only for redevelopment of the SAS, but also involves the Melawati Indoor Stadium nearby.

“The massive floods that occurred in 2006, 2015 and 2021 have caused damages to the SAS and this new project will include elevating the stadium platform by 1.5m to prevent the floods,” Amirudin said.

He further explained that from 2013 to 2022, the state government has spent RM56 million to repair and overhaul the SAS including the roof, dressing room, electrical wiring system and drainage system. 

The maintenance costs are increasing due to its large size and the expensive replacement materials.

The RM787 million cost, said Amirudin, is based on the latest report, as well as a detailed study from last year.

“We have been exploring the possibility of rebuilding or continuing to repair the stadium since 2013 and even then, the Public Works Department estimated the repair cost at around RM350 million,” he had said in a press conference last week.

Amirudin also said that Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) was identified to provide a proposal after the government had called for and studied 15 proposals for the project last year and evaluated each company on its ability to complete the project successfully.

MRCB is expected to present to the state government a detailed proposal in the next few months.

The project will leverage the area’s existing draw, such as its strategic location and proximity to a station under the Light Rail Transit Line 3, which is expected to be operational by 2025.