Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam: Benchmark in sustainable development, urban renewal for Selangor

New Straits Times

17-05-2025

SHAH ALAM: Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah yesterday outlined his vision for a progressive Selangor, one anchored in sustainable development, inclusive urban renewal and the wellbeing of its people.
At the heart of this transformation is Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA), a landmark project set to establish new benchmarks in infrastructure while reflecting the state's identity and the aspirations of its people.
Tengku Amir Shah described the project, designed to embody the "soul of Selangor", as a "seed of progress" that will not only reshape Shah Alam into a vibrant, harmonious and future-ready city, but also act as a catalyst for the state's economic growth.
"Shah Alam will not be a city of grey and glass alone. It will be a melting pot, a space where people from Sungai Besar to Pulau Ketam gather not just for ceremonies or football, but to celebrate life — to dine with family, enjoy the arts, stroll through gardens or simply connect," he said.
A fully automated underground flood mitigation system and 4ha retention pond are integrated into the plan, placing safety, environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of the people at the centre of the design.
Tengku Amir Shah said KSSA, a journey which took him seven years to realise, was "not just built for today, but also designed to safeguard tomorrow".
"Its flood mitigation features are a quiet but vital promise that our people's safety, dignity and wellbeing will never be secondary to development," he said.
While Selangor has achieved significant economic success, including being the largest contributor to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP), Tengku Amir Shah said the state's strength lies not in its economic figures or rankings, but in the wellbeing of its people.
"Progress means little if it leaves our people behind — and in Selangor Darul Ehsan, this Land of Benevolence — it is our responsibility to ensure that growth uplifts all, both within our borders, and beyond.
"I envision a Selangor that is more inclusive, forward-thinking, and focused on long-term sustainability, where everyone has the opportunity to grow, thrive and prosper.
"The new KSSA is an integral part of that vision, a journey that has taken me seven years to bring to life.
"It is more than a stadium. It is a space for everyone — a place where people can come together to be involved in sports, in culture, in the arts and in learning."
Despite the state's rapid development and growth, the Raja Muda of Selangor said he does not wish to see Shah Alam become another concrete jungle that mirrors the development patterns of other global metropolises.
"It is designed with the people in mind, built for the future, but steeped in the values and traditions we Selangorians hold dear. This is the ethos of Shah Alam. This is what we are bringing to the future — and to the world."
Tengku Amir Shah was speaking at the handover ceremony of the letter of acceptance for the KSSA's development between Menteri Besar Selangor Inc (MBI Selangor) and Lembaran Prospek Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MRCB Land Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).
Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin, MBI Selangor group chief executive officer Datuk Saipolyazan M. Yusop and MRCB group managing director Datuk Imran Salim.
Looking ahead, Tengku Amir Shah said he was upbeat on the state's progress and future.
Selangor, he noted, was Malaysia's top economic contributor, accounting for 25.9 per cent, or RM406.1 billion, of the national GDP in 2023, which represented a 5.4 per cent increase from the previous year.
The state set its sights even higher with a target of RM50 billion in investments for 2024, and a longer-term goal of contributing RM500 billion to the national economy within the next three years.
However, Tengku Amir Shah said economic progress must go hand-in-hand with social and environmental responsibility.
He said he was committed to working closely with Amirudin to transform Selangor into a state that not only thrives economically, but also leads with purpose, balancing innovation with inclusivity.
"We are united by the conviction that true development must improve lives. I am encouraged by the state government's continued efforts to raise the standard of living — through accessible healthcare, quality education, affordable housing, and initiatives that empower youth and uplift marginalised communities.
"These are values I deeply cherish, and I will continue to give my full support to policies that place the people of Selangor at the heart of progress.
"As we move forward, I remain committed to working closely with the menteri besar, government agencies, the private sector and civil society to ensure that our vision is not only realised, but sustained for generations to come."
Earlier in his speech, Tengku Amir Shah shared a poem.
"A lover asked his beloved, 'You have travelled far and seen many beautiful cities. Tell me, which one was the most delightful?'
"And she replied, 'The city where my beloved lives'."
Tengku Amir Shah said the poem encapsulated his love for Shah Alam.
"The poem resonates deeply with me because, although I have visited many great cities, Shah Alam remains close to my heart, for it is here that my hometown lies and where my deepest sentiments are rooted.