JOHOR BARU, May 31 — The National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur is set to be given a RM1 billion facelift, which will turn it into a Sports City.
The project is expected to be completed before Malaysia plays host to the 2017 SEA Games, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. Even the troubled National Stadium, often bogged with pitch woes, will be upgraded.
The Rembau MP, in confirming the project, said the Sports City would also see a new convention centre with a new indoor stadium and an upgraded National Stadium.
“The paperwork has been long done and the tender process completed. Even the successful contractor has been notified and construction will begin this year,” he said on the sidelines of the state level Fit Malaysia campaign at Dataran Bandaraya here yesterday.
Khairy said the Sports City would be built under the public-private partnership unit scheme that is under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department.
“Plans to build a convention centre is timely as the Putra Indoor Stadium is often fully booked. The National Stadium will also undergo a massive facelift with the construction of corporate boxes and more comfortable seats.
“Security features will be enhanced. In short, we want those who come to the National Stadium to be comfortable.”
Malay Mail, had in its back page report ‘Sports City in the making’ on May 21, quoted sources as saying the Bukit Jalil Squash Centre was set for expansion in tandem with the Sports City plan.
The ministry concluded talks with a leading developer to develop the area in exchange for land to build condominiums. Surveyors were spotted mapping out the land in the area.
Insiders revealed the development at Bukit Jalil would be modelled along the S$1.33 billion (RM3.6 billion) Singapore Sports Hub and Dubai Sports City. There will be multi-purpose sports facilities complete with a shopping centre and restaurants.
“Modern sports venues must come complete with facilities to complement and match today’s lifestyle and the Bukit Jalil Sports City project fits the bill,” a source said.
