SHAH ALAM, Oct 4 — Shah Alam has become a hub for modern recreational sports, with pickleball gaining its footing in the community.
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the city hosts most of Selangor’s pickleball courts, which makes it a strategic location to build on the state’s sports tourism potential.
“In Shah Alam, we have over 15 pickleball courts in Padang Jawa alone, not counting those in Seksyen 16 and Setia Alam.
“This is among the highest numbers in the state, and has become a major draw for (pickleball) enthusiasts,” the Kota Anggerik assemblyman said on Media Selangor’s Skop programme on September 29.
Pickleball, which features elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is played both for leisure and competitively.
Enthusiasts come from all over, making Shah Alam the ideal location for large-scale sports events, as proven with the Shah Alam Half Marathon that attracted over 4,000 participants.
Medical, academic tourism boost local economy
Besides sports, Shah Alam has grown in terms of medical and academic tourism, which bring visitors year-round.
Quality public and private hospitals make the city a choice treatment destination for patients beyond Selangor, with the added benefit of the high availability of hotels and homestays here to accommodate their families.
“Other than tourism, patients outside Selangor are drawn to Shah Alam to receive treatment at public and private hospitals here. Usually, their families would stay in hotels or homestays nearby,” Najwan said.
He added that during university enrolment and convocation season, thousands of visitors flood the area, increasing food, accommodation and retail sector revenue.
“With higher learning institutions like UiTM, MSU and Unisel here, they contribute to Shah Alam’s liveliness, especially during convocation season.”
Haven for food, arts, recreation
Kota Anggerik is no less popular as a food and lifestyle hub.
Najwan said he frequently goes for breakfast at famous eateries like Nasi Lemak Pak Ayub and Nasi Lemak Cik Kam in Seksyen 6, and Soto Shah Alam in Seksyen 8. Restoran Serai, which has become a household brand, also started in Seksyen 3 here.
He added that Shah Alam presents arts and recreation elements that make it the ideal destination for “healing”.
“The Shah Alam Lake Garden draws newlyweds and photography enthusiasts as it is set against a backdrop of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque.
“Many local cafes in Seksyen 6, 8 and 13 provide lounging areas for youth; from Kopi Pokok to The Coffee Dock, each location offers a unique experience,” he said.
Blue Mosque: Selangor’s tourism icon
As a state landmark, the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque, isn’t just a point of pride for local residents, but an icon to be introduced to the world.
“Every time I go overseas and am asked about the most attractive place in my area, I show them a picture of this mosque. They are impressed when they hear it’s the largest mosque in Southeast Asia,” said Najwan.
Beyond its image as a modern city, Shah Alam boasts a rich heritage.
“Many think Shah Alam only has modern malls, when the PKNS Complex actually offers traditional Malay items that are hard to find elsewhere, including handmade slippers, tengkolok, and sampin.
“If there are official events and you need complete Malay attire, everything’s available here,” he added.
Shah Alam has taken opportunities to showcase its potential this year during Visit Selangor Year 2025, themed “Surprising Selangor” and “Selangor Kan Ada!”,
With its combination of modern attractions, sports facilities, cultural heritage, various cuisines, and easy access to health and education services, Kota Anggerik is a complete tourism package.
“If you come to Selangor, don’t forget to stop by Shah Alam. If you don’t know where to go, tag me on social media. I’m ready to suggest eateries, ‘healing’ locations, and hidden gems unknown to most,” Najwan promised.
