SHAH ALAM, Aug 8 — The newly upgraded Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre features more advanced technology than the facilities at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil, said state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
The improvements for the aquatic centre in Shah Alam includes not only physical upgrades but also the installation of new technology, including cameras in the pools, improved sensor systems, and more effective timing systems.
“Alhamdullilah (God be praised), the upgrading works were fully completed in June, and today marks the official opening of Aquatic Selangor. As you can see, it looks very impressive, with significant and attractive improvements.
“We have not only upgraded the physical features and facilities of the centre, but also its systems and technology, including cameras in the pools, improved sensor systems, and a more effective timing system.
“The technology currently being used, which we have just installed, is the first of its kind and is far more advanced than that used at the aquatic centre in Bukit Jalil,” he told the media after the official rebranding ceremony today.
Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre was opened in 1997, is now renamed to Aquatic Selangor, the centre’s first major competition was the 1998 Malaysia Games (SUKMA). The upgrading project began in October last year and was fully completed in June.
Najwan added that Aquatic Selangor, which underwent an upgrading project costing about RM42 million funded entirely by the state government, would be fully opened to the public in October after the Para SUKMA in September.
The centre will continue to serve as a training and athlete development facility for swimming and aquatic sports, while also offering other amenities and activities for the public.
These include food and beverage outlets, a gym, swimming training facilities, and a scuba centre.
“When we fully open it to the public, they can come and watch or witness events for free. No tickets will be sold,” he said.
The free access will also apply to all events held at the facility, not just aquatic sporting events.
“Throughout SUKMA, there will be no tickets. We are opening it to the public, so if you are free, just come and watch,” Najwan said.
On the public entry fees for the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre, the councillor said that the state government will ensure that it will remain affordable for the public once it is fully opened for public use.
It is still finalising the entry and rental rates for the facility, which is upgraded following Selangor’s turn to host the 2026 SUKMA and Para SUKMA events.
He noted that discussions on the rates are being held between Darul Ehsan Facilities Management, the company managing the facility, and the state government.
“We have not decided yet. We are in the process of finalising the entry fee, rental rates, and other charges. We will announce it later.
“There may be changes, but we will ensure that the rates we charge do not burden the public. With the new facilities and amenities, we will ensure that those who come here can enjoy a better experience at the aquatic centre,” Najwan said.
Previously, the walk-in entry rate was RM5 per adult and RM4 per child, while RM15 granted entry for diving or deep-pool access.
