Participants waiting to be flagged off outside Pavilion Tasik Biru Kundang at last year’s 7th International Jet Sports Challenge. – Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH and courtesy of MPS
TASIK Biru in Kundang is turning into an international hub for jetski races as more than RM2mil has been pumped in to build the requisite facilities to support the races as well as cater for tourists.
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Community Development director Mazurah Mohamed said the council aimed to make Tasik Biru an international water sports venue.
“The facilities are already in place.
“It is suitable for any watersport such as waterskiing and kayaking.
“Now we have to attract tourists here to see what the lake can offer.
“The Tourism Ministry and the Selangor government had also contributed to upgrade facilities at the site.
The lake is frequented by nearby residents, thanks to its jogging trail that has exercise equipment along its route.
“So all together we had spent more than RM2mil since 2012 on facilities at Tasik Biru, including building a two-storey structure known as Pavilion Tasik Biru Kundang,” she said.
“The pavilion has an air-conditioned function room on the first floor which can accommodate 500 people.
“From here you can get the entire view of the lake,” she added.
Mazurah said it was worth spending the money as tourist numbers had doubled since the upgrading of facilities around Tasik Biru.
“We have also built surau, bathrooms and even function rooms to cater for international events.
“At present, a restaurant called Anjung D Tasek Biru is renting the premises from MPS.
“It can cater for more than 1,000 people at a time while the function room in the pavilion is also suitable for wedding dinners.
Diners having a quick drink at the restaurant at the pavilion.
“And when international watersports competitions are organised, the restaurant will move its table and chairs to make way for related functions, including events hosted by MPS,” she said.
She added that the scenic view of the lake would definitely attract tourists, especially at night.
Mazurah said previously there were stalls set up near the lake but they had been demolished by MPS’ Enforcement Department last year to beautify the surrounding and prevent sludge and food waste from being thrown into the lake.
And there were no facilities to enable the public and tourists to visit the lake and enjoy an outing here, she added.
MPS landscape architect Syamsul Arif Mahmud said the Tourism Ministry had given RM1.8mil in 2012 to build the Pavilion Tasik Biru Kundang.
“In 2013, State Economic Planning Committee (Upen) had given an allocation of RM80,000 to complete landscape work in the form of installing signboards and children’s playground equipment.
Pavilion Tasik Biru Kundang has an air-conditioned function room on the first floor which can accommodate 500 people.
“The following year, Upen allocated an additional RM135,000 to build walkways, safety fences, platform with chairs, and garbage bins.
“Then in 2015, about RM410,000 was approved by Upen to build a gazebo, children’s playground, foot reflexology path, parking lots and a pontoon to anchor personal watercraft.
“We will continue to upgrade the area to make it a world-class competitive watersport hub and tourist attraction,” he said.
In fact, he added, Tasik Biru Kundang had been hosting the annual International Jet Sports Challenge.
The competition will be held there for the eighth year on Aug 27 and 28 with cash prizes of RM38,950.
Singapore, Brunei and Thailand are among countries that have confirmed their participation.
International Jet Sports Challenge technical director Kamaruzaman Sayuti said Tasik Biru was perfect for jetski as the water was calm unlike rivers or the sea where some competitions were held previously.
“We love the scenic lake and the facilities that have been put in place by MPS. They fit the purpose of drawing spectators who enjoy this sport,” he said.
