Sibu: Concerns are mounting over the condition of public swimming facilities in Sibu, with calls for immediate intervention to address deteriorating amenities at the Delta Swimming Pool and the prolonged closure of the Bukit Lima Swimming Pool.
Special Assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew, Irene Wong Lee Ting, said her service centre has received numerous complaints from members of the public about the condition of both facilities, which serve as important recreational and sporting venues for residents.
Among the key issues raised is the inadequate provision of facilities for female users at the Delta Swimming Pool.
According to Wong, the number of women’s toilets, shower rooms, and changing rooms is insufficient to accommodate visitors, particularly during peak hours.
She added that several water taps within the facility are damaged, creating inconvenience for female swimmers who need to clean up and change after using the pool.
“Apart from the shortcomings in basic amenities, the children’s water playground at the Delta Swimming Pool has remained closed for an extended period due to repair works.
“The prolonged closure has disappointed many families who were looking forward to spending quality time with their children there. It also affects the image of a public facility that should be accessible and well maintained,” she said.
Wong also highlighted the lack of progress in renovating the Bukit Lima Swimming Pool, describing the situation as unacceptable.
She pointed out that the facility has been closed for several years, yet residents have seen little indication of when the project will be completed or when the pool will be reopened to the public.
“The long closure has deprived residents and swimming enthusiasts of an important venue for exercise and recreation. Public frustration is understandably growing,” she said.
Wong stressed that public swimming pools play a significant role in promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging sports participation, and providing spaces for family activities.
“The ongoing problems affecting Sibu’s two main public swimming pools raise serious questions about the maintenance, monitoring and management of public facilities by the authorities concerned,” she added.
In response, Wong urged the municipal council and relevant government departments to act without further delay.
She called for adequate funding to be allocated to upgrade and expand the women’s sanitary and changing facilities at the Delta Swimming Pool, while ensuring that repair work at the children’s water playground is closely monitored so it can reopen as soon as possible.
Regarding the Bukit Lima Swimming Pool, she urged the authorities to strengthen supervision of contractors involved in the renovation project and take all necessary measures to expedite the completion of works.
Wong expressed hope that the authorities would respond positively to public concerns and deliver safe, comfortable, and fully functional swimming facilities for the people of Sibu at the earliest opportunity.
