Selangor Aquatics now more advanced than Bukit Jalil

SHAH ALAM: Not just a new look, the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre now features more advanced technology compared to the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil after undergoing an upgrade project worth approximately RM42 million.

Sports EXCO, Mohd Najwan Halimi said the improvements include the installation of new technology including in-pool cameras, enhanced sensor systems and more effective timing systems.

In fact, he said, the technology used at the centre, now known as Selangor Aquatics, is the first of its kind and more advanced than the facilities in Bukit Jalil.

“Alhamdulillah, the upgrade works have been fully completed in June and today marks the official opening of Selangor Aquatics.

“As can be seen, it looks very impressive with major and attractive improvements.

“We not only upgraded the physical features and facilities of this centre, but also its systems and technology, including in-pool cameras, enhanced sensor systems and more effective timing systems.

“The technology currently used, which has just been installed, is the first of its kind and far more advanced than the technology used at the aquatic centre in Bukit Jalil,” he told the media after the official rebranding ceremony of Selangor Aquatics, today.

The Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre, which opened in 1997, is now entering a new phase after the upgrade project which began in October last year was fully completed in June.

The facility also has its own historical value as it was among the venues for the 1998 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), which was the first major tournament held at the centre.

According to Najwan, the total upgrade cost of approximately RM42 million was fully borne by the Selangor State Government, following the state’s preparations as the host of SUKMA and Para SUKMA 2026.

He said, Selangor Aquatics will continue to function as a training and development centre for athletes in swimming and aquatic sports, besides being open to the public with various support facilities.

These include food and beverage premises, a gymnasium, swimming training facilities and a scuba diving centre.

Selangor Aquatics is scheduled to be fully opened to the public in October, after the hosting of Para SUKMA in September.

Interestingly, the public also does not need to buy tickets to watch events held at the centre, including throughout SUKMA.

“When we open it fully to the public, they can come to watch or witness events for free. No tickets will be sold.

“Throughout SUKMA as well, no tickets. We are opening it to the public, so if you have free time, just come and watch,” he said.

Meanwhile, the entry rates for the public after Selangor Aquatics is fully opened have not yet been finalised.

Najwan said, discussions regarding entry rates, rentals and other charges are ongoing between Darul Ehsan Facilities Management as the operator of the centre and the State Government.

“We have not yet made a decision. We are finalising the entry rates, rental rates and other charges. We will announce it later.

“There may be changes, but we will ensure that the rates imposed do not burden the public.

“With these new facilities and infrastructure, we want to ensure that those who come can enjoy a better experience at this aquatic centre,” he said.

Previously, the direct entry rate to the centre was RM5 for adults and RM4 for children, while a fee of RM15 was charged for access to the diving or deep pool facilities.

Media Selangor