MRCB subsidiary secures RM2.94b contract to develop Shah Alam Sports Complex
KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — MRCB Land Sdn Bhd's wholly owned subsidiary, Lembaran Prospek Sdn Bhd, has signed a letter of acceptance from the Selangor state government, via Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), to undertake the construction and completion of the Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA), valued at RM2.94 billion.
MRCB Land is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB).
The handover of the letter of acceptance was witnessed by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, and Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a statement, MRCB said the construction project includes demolition works, which are currently nearing completion, and will span a 48-month period, with completion targeted for 2029.
'The KSSA development represents a bold transformation of Shah Alam into a vibrant, multi-functional urban precinct that reflects the shared vision of Selangor's leadership and MRCB's expertise in integrated urban developments,' it said.
MRCB chairman Datuk Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif said the group is committed to developing the KSSA project and is delighted to deliver this visionary project.
'We are humbled to be entrusted with delivering this visionary project for the state of Selangor. With our proven track record in urban regeneration and sustainable infrastructure, we are committed to building more than a stadium; we are creating a living, breathing destination for the people of Selangor,' he said.
MRCB, renowned for its award-winning Bukit Jalil Stadium Refurbishment Project, KL Sports City, is partnering local firm Hijjas Kasturi Architects and global stadium expert Populous, to deliver a world-class design that retains and reinterprets key elements of the original Shah Alam Stadium.
According to MRCB, the KSSA project is designed to be more than a sports complex — it will serve as a new economic, social, and environmental landmark in Selangor.
Centred around a 45,000-capacity stadium with a retractable pitch, the project will integrate community, commerce, and infrastructure across a 310,000 square metre green flora sanctuary.
'The new KSSA will promote active living, youth and community empowerment, and sustainability. The stadium, previously utilised less than 30 times a year for mainly football matches, will be redefined as a dynamic, year-round destination,' it noted.
With expanded facilities for indoor sports, e-sports, exhibitions, and lifestyle events, as well as dedicated zones for arts and culture, sports retail, food and beverage outlets, a sports museum, and public amenities, the KSSA is expected to revitalise Shah Alam as an inclusive hub for daily community engagement and economic growth. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
41 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Tengku Zafrul sees Google's investment driving Malaysia's AI economy
Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who is on a working visit to the US, says he met Google representatives in Washington. PETALING JAYA : Google's investment in Malaysia is expected to continue driving the country's artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing economy, according to investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz. He said Google's RM9.4 billion investment to set up its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia could generate up to RM15 billion in long-term economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030. Tengku Zafrul, who is currently on a working visit to the US said he met Google representatives to discuss how the company can continue to drive AI development in Malaysia, strengthen cybersecurity and invest in digital skills. 'The government is committed to providing full support and ensuring a conducive investment climate for high-quality investments,' he said in a Facebook post. Last week, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to a RM10.5 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in Malaysia, including the development of hyperscale data centres in the Klang Valley. The announcement came in the wake of a 24% tariff on Malaysian goods announced by the US in April, before a 90-day pause was declared a week later.
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
South-East Asia's budget airlines bet on travel demand, despite competition woes: Analysis
SEOUL: South-East Asia's biggest budget airlines are pursuing a bruising capacity expansion race despite rising cost pressures that are squeezing profitability and led Qantas Airways to shut down Singapore-based offshoot Jetstar Asia. Low-cost carriers have proliferated in Asia in the past two decades as disposable incomes rise, supported by robust travel demand from Chinese tourists. Demand for air travel in Asia is expected to grow faster than other regions in the next few decades and carriers like Vietnam's VietJet Aviation and Malaysia-headquartered AirAsia are to buy more planes to add to their already large orderbooks as they seek to gain market share. But margins are thinner than in other regions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), an airline industry body, this year expects Asia-Pacific airlines to make a net profit margin of 1.9%, compared with a global average of 3.7%. Airlines across Asia have largely restored capacity since the pandemic, which has intensified competition, especially for price-sensitive budget travellers, and pulled airfares down from recent high levels. International airfares in Asia dropped 12% in 2024 from 2023, ForwardKeys data shows. AirAsia, the region's largest budget carrier, reported a 9% decline in average airfares in the first quarter as it added capacity and passed savings from lower fuel prices onto its customers. Adding to challenges for airlines, costs such as labour and airport charges are also rising, while a shortage of new planes is driving up leasing and maintenance fees. This shifting landscape prompted Australia's Qantas to announce last week that its loss-making low-cost intra-Asia subsidiary Jetstar Asia would shut down by the end of July after two decades of operations. Jetstar Asia said it had seen "really high cost increases" at its Singapore base, including double-digit rises in fuel, airport fees, ground handling and security charges. "It is a very thin buffer, and with margins this low, any cost increase can impact an airline's viability," said IATA Asia-Pacific Vice President Sheldon Hee, adding that operating costs were escalating in the region. Aviation data firm OAG in a February white paper said Asia-Pacific was the world's most competitive aviation market, with airfares driven down by rapid capacity expansion "perhaps to a point where profits are compromised". "Balancing supply to demand and costs to revenue have never been more critical," the report said of the region's airlines. South-East Asia has an unusually high concentration of international budget flights. Around two-thirds of international seats within South-East Asia so far this year were on budget carriers, compared to about one-third of international seats globally, CAPA Centre for Aviation data shows. Qantas took the option to move Jetstar Asia's aircraft to more cost-efficient operations in Australia and New Zealand rather than continue to lose money, analysts say. Budget operators in South-East Asia were struggling for profits amid fierce competition even before the pandemic and now there is the added factor of higher costs, said Asia-based independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie. Low-cost carriers offer bargain fares by driving operating costs as low as possible. Large fleets of one aircraft type drive efficiencies of scale. Jetstar Asia was much smaller than local rivals, with only 13 aircraft. As of March 31, Singapore Airlines' budget offshoot Scoot had 53 planes, AirAsia had 225 and VietJet had 117, including its Thai arm. Low-cost Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific had 99. All four are adding more planes to their fleets this year and further into the future. VietJet on Tuesday signed a provisional deal to buy up to another 150 single-aisle Airbus planes at the Paris Airshow, in a move it said was just the beginning as the airline pursues ambitious growth. The deal comes weeks after it ordered 20 A330neo wide-body planes, alongside an outstanding order for 200 Boeing 737 MAX jets. AirAsia, which has an existing orderbook of at least 350 planes, is also in talks to buy 50 to 70 long-range single-aisle jetliners, and 100 regional jets that could allow it to expand to more destinations, its CEO Tony Fernandes said on Wednesday. "At the end of the day, it is go big or go home," said Subhas Menon, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. - Reuters
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Local players left out in the cold as imports flood M-League
KUALA LUMPUR: More and more M-League clubs are closing shop, but more and more foreign players are coming in. What does that say for the future of local players? Timesport asked veteran winger Sean Selvaraj this painful question. He admitted that it is becoming harder for local footballers to find employment, let alone earn a national all-up. "Oh, it's very hard. I think it becomes increasingly difficult each year. Each year, we have more imports and more naturalised players being given ICs and passports," said the 29-year-old. "So, for the locals who are playing in the league, it will be tougher year by year. "However, that should make local players more determined to show their quality. If we want to make it to the national team, we need to perform at a good level." Sean, who has played for several top teams in Malaysia, including PKNS FC, Selangor, Melaka United, and most recently Negri Sembilan, is currently a free agent. Since his professional debut in 2014, he has made over 120 senior appearances in the Super League and has scored more than 15 goals. He was part of the Selangor squad that reached the Malaysia Cup final in 2019 and contributed significantly during Melaka United's strong run in the 2021 season. Internationally, Sean played in the 2017 Sea Games, where he helped Malaysia reach the final. Despite strong performances at youth level, he has yet to make his senior debut for Harimau Malaya. Sean described the Malaysian Football League's recent announcement that clubs can register up to 15 imports from next season as a hammer blow to local players. Making the employment situation worse is the fact that some clubs, Perak and Kedah, have failed to get national licences while Sri Pahang recently announced their withdrawal. "I was shocked when I heard that, to be honest. When I heard that they were going for 15, I knew for a fact that it's going to be very hard to get a club immediately," he said. "Teams will focus on signing as many imports as they can, so the number of local players will be smaller. "But I had an okay season last year. Not my best, but I'm still hoping for that call and staying in the Super League." Having long dreamt of donning the Harimau Malaya jersey, Sean admitted that the path now looks more distant than ever with the addition of seven new heritage players this year alone. The seven are Gabriel Palmero, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Facunda Garces, and Rodrigo Holgado. "It gets harder and harder. I have the dream of making it to the national team. I'm already 29 now. So, I will need to play this season in the Super League, and both seasons have to be really good for me to get a chance." Despite the challenges, Sean remains supportive of the current national setup under coach Peter Cklamovski. "They're good, they're really good. They proved it when they played against Vietnam," he said. "They proved the quality they bring, but that being said, it will minimise the opportunities given to the local players."
