KUALA LUMPUR — Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif has vowed that issues surrounding the abandoned swimming pool at the Bangsar Sports Complex will be resolved in the coming days by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Speaking to Scoop, Maimunah said she would dispatch officers to assess the condition of the facility, which has reportedly been under a DBKL renovation plan for four years without any progress.
“I was not aware of the situation at Bangsar Sports Complex, but after seeing the picture that was sent to me, I will address this issue immediately.
“I will also ensure that my officers inspect the current condition of the swimming pool and determine the next steps so that residents can begin using the pool again,” Maimunah said when contacted.
At the same time, Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil also told Scoop that DBKL should give urgent attention to the maintenance of the swimming pool.
“DBKL previously informed me that the pool is under renovation. I have not received any new updates, but the issues regarding maintenance, including measures to prevent mosquito breeding, require immediate action from DBKL,” said Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister.
The matter was brought to Scoop’s attention by Bangsar Baru Residents’ Association president Datuk George Joseph who said his organisation had received numerous complaints over the last four years from Telawi residents about their inability to use the pool for recreational activities.
“As president, I have received countless complaints over the past four years, yet I’ve been unable to provide residents with any meaningful updates due to the lack of information from DBKL.
“The last update I received from DBKL, about two years ago, stated that they intended to renovate the facility to improve it for residents. However, they informed me that they were unable to proceed as the entire pool premises needed to be demolished and rebuilt, and they lacked the budget for such an undertaking.
“We are unsure whether the renovation project will ever be completed, but the pool cannot be left abandoned and contaminated as it poses a risk to the well-being of nearby residents. Most importantly, the community wants the swimming pool restored so they can resume their activities.
“I plan to bring this matter to the mayor’s attention and work towards a solution. I sincerely hope this issue can be resolved by next year,” said George when contacted.
He also expressed his hope to meet with Maimunah early next year to address the residents’ concerns.
When Scoop spoke to several Telawi residents, they shared their frustrations over the state of the swimming pool and the broader implications for their health and community.
Jonathon Wong, a Telawi resident for over 20 years, voiced concerns about the contaminated pool amidst a rise in dengue cases.
As of December 4, the Health Ministry’s iDengue website reported 116,224 dengue cases nationwide, with 10,466 cases recorded in Kuala Lumpur alone. The data also revealed that 88 people have died from dengue this year.
“The stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which is alarming given the increase in dengue cases. Despite frequent fogging in the area, it hasn’t been sufficient, and we continue to be plagued by mosquito bites every day.
“DBKL must act immediately before the situation worsens, potentially leading to more deaths, including in our neighbourhood and even within my own family,” said Jonathon.
Meanwhile, Aisyah Rahim, a mother of two, shared her frustration at having to send her children to a private coaching centre in Hartamas to learn swimming and prepare for competitions.
“It’s frustrating to see the pool in such a state. It was once a place where families gathered, and children learned to swim—including my kids. It’s hard to believe this facility has now become a hazard.
“We’ve waited for years for the renovations, but nothing has been done. It’s disappointing because this pool used to bring the community together. Now it’s just an eyesore. What’s even more frustrating is that I now have to travel further and pay for swimming lessons and facilities. Previously, Bangsar residents could use the sports complex at a minimal cost,” said Aisyah.
The Bangsar Sports Complex, buillt by DBKL in 1998, includes an artificial turf futsal court, four tennis courts, four badminton courts—now also used for pickleball activities—a gymnasium, and a 25-metre swimming pool.
The sports complex is known for offering some of the most affordable gym rates in Kuala Lumpur, with daytime entry priced at RM2 and evening access at RM5, providing residents with access to a decent range of weights and cardio equipment. – December 13, 2024