The transformation of Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) marks a pivotal step toward fulfilling the Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s vision for Shah Alam as a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive city.
At the official handover ceremony of the letter of acceptance today, Tengku Amir shared his deep personal aspirations for the project, promising that it will be more than just a stadium.
“I do not wish to see Shah Alam become just another concrete city that repeats the same development formula seen in countless other global metropolises.
“Instead, while continuing to serve as an administrative centre and economic hub, Shah Alam should also offer social spaces for the people – places that reflect a joyful and harmonious way of life, where shared values are celebrated and people from all religions, beliefs, ethnicities, and cultures can come together and connect.”
Rejecting generic urban templates, Tengku Amir emphasised KSSA’s role as a social equaliser.
“This is not merely a stadium. It’s where families will picnic after watching the Red Giants, where artists will perform under the stars, and where children of all abilities—including those with autism—will play in sensory-inclusive spaces. These features aren’t add-ons; they are Selangor’s DNA of compassion.”
Tengku Amir also underlined the broader ambition of the redevelopment.
“KSSA represents a seismic shift in our approach to urban renewal and development – establishing a new gold standard in the design, construction, and stewardship of public spaces.
“As part of this forward-looking agenda, Selangor’s development blueprint will now adopt sustainable solutions that integrate biodiversity with infrastructure, setting the template for future initiatives.”
He unveiled groundbreaking ecological designs, including a “sponge city” system with permeable pavements and four-hectare retention ponds to combat flooding, inspired by Botanic Wetland Park’s success.
“One example of this new approach to sustainable development is tackling flood risks through the ‘sponge city’ concept.
“This involves using features such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and constructed wetlands to slow water flow, retain excess rainwater, and reduce flooding – all while enhancing local biodiversity.
“The Botanic Wetland Park is a good example of how sponge city principles can be effectively applied to urban flood mitigation.
“It will have a state-of-the-art, fully automated underground flood mitigation system underneath the complex, including a 4-hectare retention pond to manage storm water and alleviate flooding in Shah Alam’s most vulnerable zones.
“KSSA’s flood mitigation isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a promise that safety and dignity will never be traded for progress,” he asserted.
Referencing Selangor’s RM406.1 billion GDP (2023), Tengku Amir linked KSSA to broader goals.
“We target RM500 billion in economic contribution within three years—but true progress uplifts everyone. KSSA will catalyse youth entrepreneurship, cultural industries, and green jobs, ensuring no one is left behind.”
He described the adjoining KSSA Park as a beacon of nature-centric design.
“KSSA Park will be a vibrant community hub that blends cultural celebration with ecological restoration. Rooted in nature-based design, the park will highlight Selangor’s rich natural heritage while serving as a dynamic gathering space for people of all ages.
“Its landscape will honour native ecologies, including swamp habitats and the Royal Selangor Heritage Forest, creating an immersive environment where biodiversity and human activity coexist in harmony.
“Sustainability is woven throughout the park’s design. Constructed wetlands – engineered to mirror natural systems – will support biodiversity and water management while offering scenic, functional green spaces.
“Using biocentric design principles, the park will employ renewable materials, closed-loop systems, and native plantings to minimise its environmental footprint and create biodiverse urban habitats.
“KSSA Park will stand as a bold model for sustainable city living, blending innovation, ecology, and community spirit in one living, breathing space.”
Aspiring to rank alongside London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Melbourne Sports Precinct and Singapore’s Marina Bay, Tengku Amir described KSSA as “a living tapestry where swamp habitats meet skate parks, and traditional performances unfold beside renewable energy hubs. This is how we honour our heritage while embracing the future.”
Praising Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s partnership, Tengku Amir noted: “Our shared conviction—that development must improve lives—is reflected in Selangor’s affordable housing and healthcare initiatives. KSSA is one chapter in our journey to balance innovation with inclusivity.”
Reinforcing this message, he added: “Above all, 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.”
Representing the Selangor State Government and Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI), Amirudin expressed his support for the project, stating: “This redevelopment is a testament to the State’s dedication to improving quality of life and economic prospects for all Selangor residents.”
Amirudin continued, “The KSSA will not only rejuvenate Shah Alam’s sporting facilities but also catalyse social and economic activities. It aligns perfectly with our broader urban regeneration plans and our focus on sustainable development.”
The RM2.937 billion project, which includes demolition works currently nearing completion, will span 48 months with a targeted completion date in 2029.
Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), through its wholly owned subsidiary Lembaran Prospek Sdn Bhd, was appointed as the main contractor for the project.
Datuk Nasir Mohd Nasir Ab Latif, Chairman of MRCB, said, “We are humbled to be entrusted with this visionary project. Our track record in urban regeneration and stadium redevelopment positions us well to deliver a world-class KSSA.”
The redevelopment will feature a 45,000-seat stadium with a retractable pitch, two training fields, and upgraded infrastructure.
It will be transformed into a multifunctional destination hosting sports, cultural events and lifestyle activities.
Representing MBI at the exchange of documents was its group CEO Datuk Saipolyazan M. Yusop, while MRCB was represented by its group managing director Datuk Imran Salim.
The handover ceremony of the letter of acceptance for the KSSA redevelopment between MBI and Lembaran Prospek Sdn Bhd (LPSB)—a wholly owned subsidiary of MRCB Land Sdn Bhd, which in turn is a subsidiary of Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad—was witnessed by Tengku Amir, Amirudin, and Selangor State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin.
Saipolyazan handed over the letter to Imran on behalf of LPSB.
This article originally appeared on Scoop.my and was written by Scoop journalist, Fabian Peter.