KL Sports City 98 pct ready for 29th SEA Games
KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of rejuvenation works at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil here is expected to be handed over to the Malaysia Stadium Corporation ( PSM) by middle of July since 98 per cent of the work has been completed.
The project director S Na lg una ling am said the remaining two per cent of the works concern testing, documentation, commissioning of facilities and equipment for accreditation by international sports associations ahead of the 29th Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in August.
“The international body certification is part of requirements as this is an international sporting venue, which compliance to international sporting standards to host world class sporting events will be completed in the next two per cent.
“We have added green space around the stadiums from five per cent to 30 per cent now besides the new covered walkway from the Bukit Jalil LRT Station to the venues for the comfort of the public in the new boulevard,” he said during a media briefing and project site visit here yesterday.
The first phase of the project costing RM500 million under the Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad ( MRCB) includes the upgrading of the National Stadium, Axiata Arena (previously known as Putra Stadium), National Aquatics Centre, National Hockey Stadium and also a large- scale plaza and infrastructure development at the National Sports Complex.
Nalgunalingam, who is also the MRCB general manager said the venues would be handed over to the PSM in phases upon getting green light from International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Federation of International Football Association ( FIFA), International Hockey Federation (FIH) and International Swimming Federation (FINA).
The second phase involving the KL Sports City project costing RM1.1 bi l lion is expected to begin after the 9th ASEAN Para Games which is scheduled from Sept 17 to 23. Meanwhile, PSM chief executive officer Azman Fahmi Osman is confident that national athletes can start using and testing the venues by mid July to have some home ground advantage ahead of the contract agreement date of July 22.
“A project of this scale would typically take 30 months but was completed by MRCB in only 15 months with outstanding build quality. The space in the sports city can be used by people of all age groups for various lifestyle and healthy activities.
“With enhanced surveillance system, a total of 465 Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be fixed to ensure the safety of the public. We will also have dedicated space for food and beverage outlets and online numbered seating,” he said.
When asked about the athletic track in the National Stadium where workers are seen still fixing the track, Azman said it would be ready after Hari Raya.
“We are installing one of the best tracks in the world, which is mondo. It is used in most of the Olympics Stadium around the world,” he said.
MRCB was chosen, through its subsidiary Rukun Juang Sdn Bhd in October 2015 by the federal government to undertake the KL Sports City project, the regeneration of the existing Bukit Jalil National Sports Stadium and creating a vibrant hub that is accessible to athletes as well as the local community, recreational users and the general public. — Bernama
The international body certification is part of requirements as this is an international sporting venue. S Nalgunalingam, project director