Klang Municipal Council (MPK) plans to redevelop the abandoned horse stables in Taman Sri Andalas into futsal courts, amidst the looming soccer fever due to the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia next June.
“Adding some exciting competitive sport elements to the neighbouring recreational area of Taman Rakyat is important to give opportunities for teenagers to play futsal,” said Council president Datuk Mohamad Yasid Bidin.
“The parks we currently have are not built for fast-paced sports. With this area available, we have to be creative to design new features to fulfil this need.”
At present, the existing sand paddock area is currently being renovated, while the office building there will be used as accommodation for council staff who will run the two futsal courts.
The construction of the futsal courts, staff quarters, new fencing and other renovations are expected to cost up to RM340,000, noted MPK Engineering Department Director Zamri Othman.
Yasid revealed that the council may charge a fee to maintain the public futsal courts, but it will be more affordable than the high rates imposed by private facilities.
Aside from that, MPK intends to rejuvenate the area by building more recreational facilities there. In fact, they are considering residents’ suggestions of constructing netball and basketball courts near the former equine facilities, while the elevated site on the other side of the futsal courts could be utilised as a football pitch.
The council is also mulling to open a new entrance to the area from Jalan Tun Dr Ismail near Taman Rakyat, and close the original entrance at Lengkungan Sri Sedili 1.
Previously, the stables housed the horses of the Enforcement Department’s mounted units that consisted of eight equines and 18 staff members. MPK had spent about RM1.4 million to build the original stables, and nearly RM3 million to maintain the squad over five years. But it disbanded the group in 2008 as it required a high annual expense of RM600,000.
Subsequently, MPK councillor Kamal Batcha Noor Mohideen proposed turning the facilities into an outdoor wedding venue in March 2015. However, many residents opposed the idea as they think it would worsen the area’s traffic situation, while some thought it was a waste of money.
Image sourced from Rojak Daily
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