MIRI: Miri MP Chiew Choon Man has expressed concern over the maintenance delays at the Miri Public Swimming Pool.
According to him, the Miri Public Swimming Pool has been intermittently closed for internal maintenance since April 2022, with a few brief reopenings. “However, it has remained closed since July 2023.
He added that this closure continues to be a source of ongoing concern as the necessary repairs have yet to be completed.
“My office has received numerous complaints from the public regarding frequent damage to the Miri Public Swimming Pool, resulting in the pool often being closed for repairs,” he told the media here.
The recent damage, particularly involving the main water pump, has rendered the swimming pool closed until the matter is resolved, Chiew said.
“There is also a significant concern about the longstanding malfunction of the nighttime lighting system, leading to frequent closures before this.
National Sports Council (MSN) Management Board member Alan Ling also expressed concern over the closure of the Miri Public Swimming Pool, Chiew disclosed.
tial for nurturing local talent in Miri and Sarawak.
The pool’s central location next to City Fan Park also deprives the community of a crucial recreational resource, contributing to a decline in the popularity and growth of sports in the region,” Chiew added.
Thus, he said, urgent attention is needed to address these challenges, emphasising the importance of reopening and maintaining the Miri Public Swimming Pool for the overall wellbeing and sports development in the area.
Despite multiple expressions of concern to the relevant authorities, various reasons and explanations have been consistently provided, such as the need to order pump components and parts directly from the original manufacturer, causing additional delays.
Technical challenges in the repair process have also been cited, contributing to the prolonged delay in the public swimming pool maintenance project.
“We have checked with the party responsible for sports facilities in Sarawak, the Sarawak Sports Corporation, to voice out the community concerns about the recurring closures and the extended maintenance period.
Therefore, Chiew, with the assistance from Ling, has engaged with the federal Youth and Sports Minister and requested an allocation amounting to RM500,000 to assist in the maintenance project for the benefit of the public.
“I commit to continuous follow-up with the federal ministry to ensure the seamless operation of our public facilities and Miri’s development through the federal projects in Miri such as upgrading the Pujut GK Roundabout and the Miri Airport,” he said.
Furthermore, Miri requires upgrading and expanding leisure public facilities in response to its population growth and development, he added.
“Thus, we reiterate the call for the authorities to promptly address these multifaceted concerns to create a healthier and more vibrant community in Miri.
