DAP man questions delay in Miri swimming pool upgrade

MIRI (Jan 8): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak secretary Alan Ling has questioned the prolonged delay in the upgrading project of the Miri Public Swimming Pool, which remains incomplete despite renovation works having commenced several years ago.

Ling said funds were allocated by both the Sarawak and federal governments in 2024 to upgrade and refurbish the pool’s physical facilities.

“The project was scheduled to begin in September 2024 and was expected to be completed in 2025.

“However, as of January 2026, the facility is still not ready for public use.

“This situation is extremely disappointing, as the swimming pool is an important public facility, especially for swimming athletes, school students and the local community,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ling also raised concerns over the agency responsible for implementing and supervising the project, noting that the construction site has been left idle for several months with no visible progress.

He said the Miri Public Swimming Pool, which has been in operation since 1985, has served as a basic sports facility for generations of residents.

The failure to complete the upgrading works within the stipulated timeframe, he added, has had a direct impact on the public.

“As a result of the delay, parents are forced to bear higher costs by sending their children to private swimming clubs or external facilities that charge high fees,” he said.

Ling expressed hope that the appointment of a new contractor, expected to commence improvement works next month, would help expedite the completion of the project.

He stressed that close monitoring must be carried out to ensure the works meet the required specifications and safety standards.

As a member of the National Sports Council (MSN) Management Board, Ling said he has received numerous complaints over the delay and urged the authorities to prioritise public welfare and the development of swimming sports in Miri.

He added that a site visit to the swimming pool in early January, coupled with his sharing of the issue on social media, had prompted feedback from the relevant parties regarding the appointment of a new contractor.

“The people of Miri no longer want promises but are calling for immediate action so that this facility can be reopened for use as soon as possible,” he said.

Describing the project as a source of growing public frustration, Ling said that while mega projects continue to be implemented, basic public facilities such as the swimming pool have been poorly monitored and left unattended for far too long.