Expedite upgrading works at Bukit Lima Swimming Pool, S’wak deputy minister tells SMC

SIBU (Feb 15): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) should expedite upgrading works at Bukit Lima Swimming Pool and reopen the facility for training as soon as possible, said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

He stressed that local swimmers are eager to return to the pool to train, compete, and bring home medals to make Sibu proud once again.

“Hopefully, SMC will speed up the maintenance work so that Sibu swimmers can train hard to regain the glory days when Sibu is always revered as a state swimming powerhouse,” he said at the Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (Sasa) appreciation dinner on Friday.

Also present at the event were Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (Asas) president Pemanca Tan Kun Gee and Sasa president Joseph Ung.

The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) recently handed over the newly completed Retrofitting and Covered Outdoor Learning Areas (COLA) for the Bukit Lima Swimming Pool to SMC.

However, SMC Chairman Clarence Ting said the pool remains closed to the public as additional maintenance works are needed to ensure safety.

The upgrading works include replacing tiles at the children’s pool, renovating the changing rooms and toilets, and carrying out other related improvements, including new fencing.

Recalling his younger days, Tiang said Sibu once ruled supreme in swimming.

“In my time, swimming is very popular and is something the whole Sibu people are proud of because the sport always produces lots of champions, be it at state or national levels.

“We even took part in international competitions and stamped our names in the international arena,” he said.

The Pelawan assemblyman highlighted that over the years, Sibu has produced talented swimmers and leaders, generation after generation.

Many veteran swimmers have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.

He said the perseverance and consistency these veteran swimmers inherited and cultivated from their swimming days had moulded them into becoming a person with strong responsibilities, characters, discipline and trust.

“Success or failures are no problems to these seasoned veterans for they have tasted all sorts of challenges during their swimming days,” he said.

Tiang also reminded young swimmers that Sarawak belongs to everyone, regardless of cultural or religious background.

“Sarawak, the Land of the Hornbill, gives you the opportunity, all kinds of resources and equality, regardless of your racial or religious background. We are all Sarawakian and this is something for us to safeguard.

“We cannot lose this Sarawak spirit and to be a Sarawakian is something we ought to be proud of.

“Make sure the whole world sees us so that Malaysia will shine and when Malaysia shines, Sarawak will also shine,” he said.

He further urged the young athletes to appreciate their parents’ support.

“Rain or shine, they will send you to the pool for swimming or training lessons, all out of nothing but their love and care for you.

“As such, it is your duty to reciprocate their love and bring back results whenever there are any competitions,” he added.