SHAH ALAM, May 19 — Upgrade works at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre (PADE), one of the main venues for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA), have now reached 93 per cent completion and are expected to be fully completed within the next three weeks.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the facility will be equipped with modern amenities and the latest technology in accordance with international standards, further strengthening Selangor’s readiness to host SUKMA 2026 and Para SUKMA 2026.
The project’s progress, ahead of the original schedule, provides sufficient time for management to complete preparations, including facility testing, before the facility is used for swimming, diving, and water polo events.
“Alhamdulillah (God be praised), everything is proceeding according to our plans. In terms of completion, we initially expected it to be finished in June, but Darul Ehsan Facilities Management Sdn Bhd, as the implementing agency for these upgrade works, has completed it earlier.
“It is a very positive development. We now have more time to make various preparations, especially for testing and preparing the aquatic centre, which gives us a suitable timeframe,” he told Media Selangor.
Najwan added that the upgrade works for the nearly 30-year-old facility involves several important components, including the building façade, spectator seats, tiles, pump systems, and comprehensive cleaning of the entire complex area.
One of the major improvements involves replacing the old pump system, which had been in use for almost three decades, with a newer, more efficient system that uses the latest technology.
“In terms of improvements, we have carried out many works, especially involving the façade of the aquatic centre, replacing spectator seats, upgrading and renewing damaged tiles, as well as cleaning tiles that may have appeared dirty.
“Simultaneously, we replaced the pump system at this aquatic centre. The pump, which had been in use for nearly 30 years, has now been replaced with a new one that incorporates the latest technology.
“After almost three decades, this is a large-scale upgrading project. Following this, we expect the aquatic centre to become more attractive and competitive for future use,” he said.
The councillor noted that high-performance timing systems and sensor technology have also been installed to ensure accuracy and smooth management of international-standard sporting events.
Once the project is completed, PADE will not only be ready for SUKMA, but will also reopen for public and community use.
“The first tournament after its reopening will be SUKMA, and after that we will reopen it for public and community use.
“Swimming associations that wish to use it for training, as well as members of the public who want to use it for learning activities, will certainly be welcomed once it reopens for public use,” Najwan said.
The 22nd edition of SUKMA is scheduled to take place from August 15 to August 24, while Para SUKMA will be held from September 5 to September 10.
Approximately 474 events across 37 sports will be contested in nine districts involving 52 venues, while Para SUKMA will feature 10 sports and 316 events.
