SHAH ALAM, Jan 28 — Malaysia will not build more international-standard stadiums for major sporting events, as existing facilities such as the Bukit Jalil National Stadium are sufficient, said Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol.
He said the government will instead focus on optimising current facilities, supporting athletes through education and career programmes, and strengthening the National Sports Institute (ISN) as a hub for sports science and professional training.
“The facilities at Bukit Jalil National Stadium comply with World Athletic standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF),” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“We do not have specific plans to build new international-standard stadiums at this time. Existing facilities can be used efficiently, economically, and effectively for competitions and training,” he added.
He also confirmed that SEA Games 2027, which Malaysia is hosting, will rely primarily on existing venues.
Mordi was replying to Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim’s (PN-Arau) question about why Malaysia doesn’t have its own international-standard athletics stadium and sports university, and if the government plans to build one.
Selangor is currently developing the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) to replace the old Shah Alam Stadium. When done, the facility is set to be one of the most modern sports hubs in Malaysia, complete with a retractable pitch.
The KSSA would be Selangor FC’s new home stadium, with an estimated capacity of between 30,000 and 40,000 and recreational areas for public use.
It is expected to be completed by mid-2029.
On athlete development and support, Mordi said ongoing government programmes include sports scholarships and TVET-based training at the ISN in Kuala Langat.
“These initiatives provide career pathways for athletes into coaching, technical, and professional sports roles, while graduate employability rates for TVET sports programmes reached nearly 90 per cent in 2024,” the deputy minister added.
