Sports integration a game changer in Kelana Jaya

The Star

2 days ago

SPORTING facilities in Kelana Jaya's SS6, SS7 and part of SS8 will be integrated into a sports hub.
This move by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is to revitalise the area.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon's focus is on infrastructure improvements to connect the sports facilities.
'Our council planners and I have a vision to transform SS6, SS7 and part of SS8 into an integrated ecosystem for sports, entertainment and lifestyle activities.
'We have to increase the facilities for athletes to work out and for families to engage in sports activities or watch live sports,' he said.
Spanning a mammoth 353.28ha, the cluster of sporting facilities comprise Stadium MBPJ – built for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Kelana Jaya swimming complex, tennis and badminton courts as well as running tracks.
Pickleball and paddle ball courts will also be built soon.
Within the area is Taman Tasik Bandaran, the venue for MBPJ's fishing competitions that receive participation of thousands of avid anglers.
'Taman Tasik Bandaran Kelana Jaya is also where MBPJ holds the annual International Remote Control Powerboat Champion­ship; we will improve the area,' said Mohamad Zahri.
Mohamad Zahri says it is crucial to manage existing MBPJ sports assets sustainably.
He said the city council's plan was to transform SS6, SS7 and part of SS8 into a community hub, the facilities of which could be used by residents in the vicinity as well as schools.
He stressed that it was crucial to manage existing MBPJ sports assets sustainably, to encourage greater participation and use them to nurture talent and sports innovation.
'Our council's plan is to turn the Kelana Jaya sports hub into a Petaling Jaya icon,' he added.
Mohamad Zahri said it was important to collaborate with private sports entities to encourage wider participation and use of the sports infra­structure.
'More sporting programmes for all age groups are needed, and working with the private sector will produce better experiences and foster unity among people in Petaling Jaya,' he said.
Selangor's largest indoor karting centre, X Park Sunway Serene, in Jalan SS8/6 is a component of the Kelana Jaya Sports Hub.
Feedback and ideas are being sourced from public focus group discussions involving stake­­holders, private sports facility operators, and area councillors.
Mohamad Zahri said for a start, Stadium MBPJ was undergoing an upgrade with new seats and state-of-the-art synthetic turf.
'About 70% of work at the stadium has been completed.
'Walk paths outside the stadium will be built.
'We will improve all sports facilities in stages, based on discussions with local stakeholders,' he assured.
The mayor also said MBPJ was considering the suggestion to have sky bridges or elevated pedestrian walkways linking SS6, SS7 and SS8.
He said the city council wanted to make sports and sporting facilities affordable for the community, noting that not everyone could afford to pay for such equipment.
'Many just want a chance to play sports.
'Creating an integrated sports hub makes community sports in public spaces more special. It benefits everyone and gives opportunities to all, including the low-income group,' he added.
MBPJ councillor for SS7 Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah agreed with the mayor's point on the need to partner with private sports entities and leverage on their expertise in programme design as well as sports event planning.
'Kelana Jaya and its bordering areas have a high population of youths.
'Working with private sports centres and groups will augur well for MBPJ as the latter offer advanced sports programmes, training methods, and coaching, which can be adopted into the council's programmes to benefit the younger generation.'
Mohamad Hamka said the sports hub must have something for everyone, be it an elite athlete striving to achieve the highest levels in sports, a student competing in athletics or residents who want to improve their fitness.
MBPJ's badminton facility in SS7, Kelana Jaya.
MBPJ councillor for SS8 Nurashikin Ali said: 'Our main aim is to turn Kelana Jaya into a civic space that doubles as a sporting destination.
'It must evolve into a place where people can relax or spend time with their friends.
'People want the surroundings connected by extensive roofed walkways, cycle routes and dedicated buses that link SS6, SS7 and SS8, which make it easy to get around.'
Nurashikin said the hub was part of a plan to promote physical and mental well-being.
MBPJ Development and Planning Department director Lee Lih Shyan said MBPJ aimed to inspire grassroots participation and sporting excellence via the city's urban development plan.
The town planner said the sports hub would be made accessible to all and would become a community focal point for social and sporting activities.
Lee says the proposed sports hub will be a community focal point for social and sporting activities.
'For this sports hub to thrive, we need activities for youths, the middle aged and seniors.'
Taman Tasik Bandaran Kelana Jaya SS7 has seven lakes used for angling and power boat competitions, he said, while SS8 has Selangor's biggest indoor karting centre.
Lee said sports would also provide opportunities for people with disabilities and enable residents to socialise.
'Urban sports-friendly areas are equitable public spaces.
'Whether indoors or outdoors, it is a place where everyone gets a chance to take part. It creates liveable communities,' he added.
Sports science student Wan Syazfizal Adam Wan Mohd Sapari, 20, said MBPJ's plan to create the Kelana Jaya sports hub would benefit youths.
He suggested that MBPJ build sepak takraw courts too.
Wan Syazfizal says the sports hub will benefit youths.
'Sepak takraw is a popular sport and has the potential for community engagement.
'It can be a unifying sport, bringing people together in a fun way and nurture future players.'
Muhammad Sharmin is calling for the provision of 'sepak takraw' courts at the sports hub.
Muhammad Sharmin Fir­daus, 20, also said the provision of sepak takraw courts at the sports hub would be a valuable addition, especially given the sport's popularity among youths.
'It would create an opportunity for youths to pick up and train in the sport, potentially tapping new talents.'
Wan Nadzmi: The facilities should have good bus connectivity and shaded walkways.
Business administration student Wan Nadzmi Zafri Wan Mohamad Ruzman, 21, said MBPJ should have good public transport connectivity from one sports facility to another.
'It should also provide shaded walkways for users' convenience.
'If the sports hub is to thrive, MBPJ must provide buses to connect it to neighbourhoods.
The Kelana Jaya Swimming Pool Complex is located in SS7.
'There must be convenient connections, for example, from the SS8 go-kart centre to the Kelana Jaya swimming complex in SS7.
'Using electric buses for last-mile connectivity is important as it will see a big drop in carbon footprint and cost,' said Wan Nadzmi.