Latest news with #MohamadZahri
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sports integration a game changer in Kelana Jaya
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.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Underutilised futsal court to be used for racquet sports
Mohamed Hamka showing the site where new pickleball courts will be built. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star FACILITIES for racquet sports, pickleball and paddle ball will be built at the underused futsal grounds in SS7, Kelana Jaya. Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had approved the specifications for the new pickleball and paddle ball courts. 'The development of both these racquet sport courts are under a public-private partnership that involves a collaboration between MBPJ and a private company. 'We have inked an agreement where the firm builds and manages the facilities,' he said. Both sports can be played with either two or four players. Pickleball is a smaller version of tennis, whereas paddle ball is a mix of tennis and squash, where the ball is allowed to bounce off a wall. Like tennis, both versions have a centre net, but they have different rules of play and scoring. The hard court used to be a futsal court. Mohamad Zahri said the partnership would see MBPJ renting out the space while the company would operate and manage the facilities for 21 years. 'Agreements of this nature are common in infrastructure projects, including sports facilities. 'It allows for leveraging private investment and expertise while ensuring public benefit. 'We can realise the project development at faster speed as private firms can expedite the process of creating new facilities after the council gives the needed approvals,' he said. Mohamad Zahri said approval had been given for six indoor pickleball courts, six outdoor pickleball courts, two indoor paddle ball courts and one outdoor paddle ball court. 'Construction involves demolishing the old futsal concrete floor before building the new courts.' Work is expected to start in July and be completed in November, he said. MBPJ councillor for SS7 Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah said having smart partnerships like this could create high-quality facilities and provide good financial returns for MBPJ. 'Pickleball and paddle ball are popular. They have the potential to foster community engagement and increase property values in surrounding areas,' he said. The decision to have pickleball courts came after Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced, when tabling the state's Budget 2025, that the state would introduce it as a medal sport when it hosts the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). — By EDWARD RAJENDRA
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
MBPJ issues more fines for dumping
An illegal dumpsite in Sea Park, Petaling Jaya. MBPJ enforcement officers are cracking down on people throwing rubbish indiscriminately. — Filepic Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is intensifying efforts to tackle illegal rubbish dumping through its PJ Watch programme. Throughout May, enforcement operations were carried out in several localities including SS2, Section 17, SS3, PJU 5, PJS 1 and SS7. Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said compounds were issued during this month's ground operations – six to individuals, three to companies and one involving a vehicle. 'From January to May 22, MBPJ's closed-circuit TV surveillance recorded 45 illegal dumping cases. 'During the same period, enforcement officers issued a total of 172 compounds and made 74 arrests in relation to illegal rubbish dumping.' He said to raise awareness of the issue, MBPJ made 12 public announcements through local media and on social media platforms. He said this during MBPJ's monthly full board meeting at its headquarters in Section 7, Petaling Jaya in Selangor. Mohamad Zahri invites the public to join MBPJ in celebrating its city status anniversary next month. At the meeting, Mohamad Zahri also spoke about the city's 19th anniversary celebrations. A series of events and programmes have been lined up for Petaling Jaya residents throughout June, he said. The event themed 'Petaling Jaya Bandar Paling Bahagia' will feature 31 activities, including community programmes and competitions. The local authority became known as MBPJ after Petaling Jaya was granted city status on June 20, 2006. The anniversary celebrations are set to be launched on June 1. The event, said Mohamad Zahri, would coincide with the launch of the Car Boot Sale in Kota Damansara, and there would be a presentation from Malaysia Book of Records recognising MBPJ for establishing an eco-recycling plaza. The highlight of the month-long celebration is the anniversary ceremony at 8pm on June 21 at Laman MBPJ on Jalan Yong Shook Lin. Ten events have been planned for that day, including 'Picnic in the Park' and 'The Mega Leisure Programme' at PJ State in Section 52. Mohamad Zahri invites the public to join in the festivities and get programme details via MBPJ's website or official social media platforms.
The Star
14-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Mum of three aces endurance race
(From left) Badrulzaman, Mohamad Zahri with Siti Aminah and MBPJ councillor Tang Fuie Koh during the prize-giving ceremony in Kota Damansara. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star A mother of three came second in the fast trail women's category of the Selangor Trail Endurance Series 2025. Held at Taman Rimba Riang, Kota Damansara on Mothers Day, the race saw an inspiring finish by Siti Aminah Ahmad, who is a Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) employee. 'Not everyone participates to win prizes, some want to have fun during such runs. 'I figured that the trails, which are on hills, would be challenging. 'I am glad that this event gave equal opportunities for everyone to take part,' said Aminah, who also plays netball. She was among 250 participants comprising Malaysian and international runners from countries like China, France, Indonesia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The programme was organised by All-Trail Projects in partnership with MBPJ, Selangor State Forestry Department and Tourism Selangor. It was launched by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, who said that this year's run was the second edition of the event. 'In this edition, we have three different series. Today saw our first series at Kota Damansara. Race contestants faced a challenging course in Taman Rimba Riang. 'The second series will be held at Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya, and the third at Kanching Forest Eco Park, Rawang. 'This programme's objective is to boost environmental awareness while testing participants' endurance. 'We also offer a counter for runners to ensure their health status is monitored throughout the event,' he added. The mayor later planted red coleus at the landscape area. MBPJ Landscape Department director Dr Badrulzaman Jaafar shared that the council maintains 19 different gardens across Petaling Jaya. 'We are planning to use more public gardens for programmes that encourage people to come together and enjoy recreational activities with MBPJ,' he added. The event also featured local vendor booths, including that of Siti Arbi Mat Saton, a herbal product promoter from Kebun Komuniti Damansara Damai. Arbi, who is also a farm owner, said that she had been invited many times by MBPJ to showcase her natural products made from extracts of the Aceh lemongrass tree.
The Star
30-04-2025
- The Star
MBPJ discovers 43 illegal dumpsites in housing areas
MBPJ is open to discussing the revitalisation of Pasar Jalan Othman. — Filepic Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has identified 43 illegal dumping hotspots in housing areas in the city, with 12 of them monitored by mobile CCTV cameras as of April 28. The cameras are monitored from the operations centre in Menara MBPJ. Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said that under the PJ Watch Programme, CCTV surveillance had led to the detection of 19 individuals, 17 vehicles and three business premises involved in illegal dumping activities. Enforcement actions also resulted in 23 individuals apprehended, four vehicles seized and 32 business premises implicated, he elaborated. 'A total of 149 compounds have been issued for violations under Refuse Collection, Removal and Disposal By-Laws 2007,' he said at MBPJ's full board meeting. Earlier this year, mobile video cameras recorded 31 incidents of illegal rubbish dumping which included 14 repeat offenders, 15 cases involving vehicles and two cases related to business premises. Following the full board meeting, Mohamad Zahri told StarMetro that MBPJ was open to discussing a revamp of Pasar Jalan Othman and welcomed suggestions from key stakeholders. 'The discussion will involve all parties including the MP, state assemblyman, city councillors and the hawkers,' he said. He was commenting on the initiative by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung who recently met representatives of Pasar Jalan Othman hawkers. Lee agreed to submit proposals to MBPJ on improving the market environment and revitalising business activities. Commenting on the lack of parking at Pasar Jalan Othman, Mohamad Zahri said he had visited the multi-level carpark at the market and found many empty bays on the upper floors. 'I have been there several times, where the top floor of the parking area is often empty and people choose to park along the roadside,' he said, adding that MBPJ was considering stricter enforcement. 'If visitors remain stubborn, we will issue compounds. 'But if our enforcement officers are present, we will try to direct them to the top floor,' said Mohamad Zahri. He said CCTV footage would be used to assess fairness before penalising customers, but fines would be issued if motorists parked outside despite available bays in the carpark.
