KUALA LUMPUR: The redevelopment of the iconic Shah Alam Stadium into the state-of-the-art Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) remains on schedule, as Selangor eagerly anticipates Malaysia's hosting of the SEA Games.
As the long-term anchor tenant of the storied ground, the Red Giants are closely monitoring the multi-billion-ringgit transformation of the Section 13 site.
The redevelopment is being spearheaded by state investment arm Menteri Besar Selangor (MBI) alongside main developer Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).
"To be honest, for Shah Alam Stadium, we are just a tenant. The one working on it is MBI," Selangor chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon said.
"I do believe that we are on track, but again I don't have the details. But I believe that it will definitely be completed in a very successful manner by the state government."
The original 80,372-capacity Shah Alam Stadium, which served as the fortress of the Red Giants since opening in 1994, fell into disrepair in recent years, prompting the state government to sanction a complete rebuild to meet modern sporting and environmental benchmarks.
Demolition works on the colossal structure commenced in mid-2024 to pave the way for a comprehensive, 70-hectare sports, community and commercial precinct.
Under the ambitious masterplan drawn up by global stadium architects Populous, the new KSSA will feature a downsized, acoustically optimised 45,000-seat covered arena equipped with transparent, double-layered ETFE roof technology and cooling systems.
Designed as an integrated hub, the venue will directly link to the upcoming LRT3 Stadium Shah Alam station and feature flood-retention infrastructure alongside public recreational spaces.
The development is structured across three phases, with Phase 1, encompassing the core stadium structure, parking bays and Jubilee Park, targeted for completion between late 2026 and 2027.
Subsequent phases, stretching through 2029, will introduce a dedicated youth and sports wing, indoor theatre, retail spaces, and an integrated transport terminal and hotel.
The project's timeline has taken on national significance with Malaysia gearing up to host the 34th SEA Games.
Johan said having a world-class facility aligned with corporate stability is essential if Malaysian football clubs wish to unlock their commercial potential and compete on a broader regional stage.
"I believe there is huge potential in football, not only for Selangor but for all the other clubs to try and attract more sponsors," Johan said.
"It is important definitely to show to the public that the club is serious, professional, and has a long-term vision in what they want to achieve. That stability is very important."
Johan was speaking at a signing ceremony where biotech firm Yakin Splendour was officially unveiled as the club's Official Stem Cell Partner at the MBPJ Stadium on Friday, moments before the FA Cup semi-final first-leg clash between Selangor and Kuching City kicked off.
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