The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is converting the former futsal court in SS7, Kelana Jaya into a purpose-built venue for pickleball and padel worth RM800,000. The project is structured as a public–private partnership: a private firm will construct and operate the facility for twenty-one years, while MBPJ will rent the courts to the public.
“We have inked an agreement where the firm builds and manages the facility, while MBPJ will rent out the courts,” Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon told The Star.
Build Plan and Timeline
Site works will move quickly once crews mobilize, according to MBPJ Zone 22 councilor Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah. “Once the fixtures and old concrete are removed, workers will use compacted gravel to create a new suitable surface,” he said, noting that the new racquet complex replaces an underutilized futsal court.
Community demand is already driving the timeline. “Work will be done quickly as youths are eager to use the court,” Mohamed Hamka said. “Once construction is complete, the final steps will include court markings, installing nets and poles as well as setting up anti-glare lighting for optimal playing conditions.”
Construction is expected to take about four months from commencement. If ground breaks in late August, the venue could be ready by December.
Why Pickleball and Padel
Pickleball—often described as a blend of tennis, table tennis and badminton—and padel, a fast-paced cousin of tennis and squash, both support singles and doubles play. Their flexible formats make them ideal for community programming, open-play sessions and junior clinics.
During the state’s 2025 Budget presentation, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that pickleball will be introduced as a medal sport at the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). The Kelana Jaya facility gives clubs and schools a timely training base ahead of that debut.
