SHAH ALAM, Aug 4 — The upgraded Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre (PADE) in Section 13 is expected to reopen to the public in October, after the conclusion of the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 and Para SUKMA 2026.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the facility, which was closed from October last year until June for upgrading works in preparation for the games, is currently being used by state athletes for training.
"The centre will welcome the public once operational preparations and facility management are fully completed after both sporting events, to ensure the facility is in the best condition for users.
"PADE is expected to reopen to the public in October 2026," he said in response to Seri Serdang state assemblyman Abbas Salimmi Adzmi’s query during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Najwan added that nearly 2,000 athletes under the state's talent development, backup, and elite programmes are currently utilising the facility.
Responding to Abbas’ proposal to develop the centre into a dedicated high-performance aquatic training hub similar to Sarawak's Pandalela Rinong Aquatic Centre, he said the facility has already been serving that role for decades.
"PADE has functioned as the state's primary aquatic athlete development hub since 1998, with athletes nurtured from the grassroots level, before progressing to higher levels of competition.
"The development of aquatic athletes is a long-term process that begins from primary school and continues through secondary school, where they are given opportunities to compete and improve their abilities,” Najwan said.
He noted that following the recent upgrades, PADE now meets international competition standards, with facilities surpassing those at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil.
This will allow Selangor to target hosting international aquatic championships following SUKMA 2026.
