Unused Futsal Court Set to Become a Racquet Sports Hub

Facilities for racket sports, pickleball, and paddle ball will be constructed at the underutilized futsal courts located in SS7, Kelana Jaya.

The mayor of Petaling Jaya, Mohammad Zahri Samingon, stated that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has endorsed the requirements for the upcoming pickleball and paddle ball courts.

The development of these two racket sports facilities is part of a public-private partnership involving cooperation between MBPJ and a private firm.

"We have signed a deal whereby the company constructs and operates the facilities," he stated.

Both sports can be played with either two or four players.

Pickleball is akin to a scaled-down version of tennis, but paddle ball combines elements of both tennis and squash with the added rule allowing the ball to hit a wall before play continues.

Similar to tennis, each version features a central net, yet they differ in their rules of gameplay and scoring systems.

Mohamad Zahri said the partnership would see MBPJ renting out the space while the company would operate and manage the facilities for 21 years.

Pacts of this kind are usual in infrastructure developments, such as those for sporting venues.

It facilitates the use of private investments and knowledge while guaranteeing advantages for the general public.

"We can achieve the project development more quickly since private companies can hasten the creation of new facilities once the council provides the necessary permissions," he stated.

Mohamad Zahri mentioned that approval has been granted for six indoor pickleball courts, six outdoor pickleball courts, two indoor paddle ball courts, and one outdoor paddle ball court.

“Construction involves demo­lishing the old futsal ­concrete floor before building the new courts.”

Work is expected to start in July and be completed in November, he said.

MBPJ councillor for SS7 Mohamed Hamka Mohamed Jumah said having smart partnerships like this could create high-quality facilities and provide good financial returns for MBPJ.

“Pickleball and paddle ball are popular. They have the potential to foster community engagement and increase property values in surrounding areas,” he said.

The decision to have pickleball courts came after Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amiru­din Shari announced, when tabling the state’s Budget 2025, that the state would introduce it as a medal sport when it hosts the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). — By EDWARD RAJENDRA