SHAH ALAM, Aug 12 — After nearly three decades since its opening, Selangor Aquatic has been upgraded with a new facade and comes not only with better technology, but also more inclusive facilities.
Among them are two wheelchair-specific lifts, several wheelchair-friendly paths, and disability-friendly washrooms, Selangor Aquatic manager Ahmad Sayuti Bashiron told Media Selangor.
“These upgrades aren’t just for athletes, but also for users and spectators who visit this centre,” he added.
Sayuti said existing facilities including washrooms, changing rooms and media rooms have been upgraded after about 28 years of low maintenance.
He added that there are plans to equip the children’s pool with play facilities.
Selangor Aquatic, which is a rebrand of Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre, was upgraded for about RM42 million in a project launched in October last year and completed in June.
The upgrade project took into account international swimming bodies’ requirements and standards so the facility could host training sessions and high-level championships. These features include in-pool cameras, an upgraded sensor system, and a more efficient timing system, making Selangor Aquatic more advanced than the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the Selangor Aquatic upgrade project isn’t just for the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) and Para SUKMA this year, but also to ensure the centre remains relevant as a training, competition and recreation destination.
The centre, which opened in 1997, was a venue for SUKMA 1998; the first major championship it hosted.
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said Selangor Aquatic will be a training and athlete development hub, but will also be open to the public with various supplementary facilities, including eateries, a gym, swimming lessons, and a scuba diving centre.
