Newly upgraded Tmn Bumiko basketball court in Miri to be fixed after failing quality standards

MIRI (Feb 14): The recently upgraded basketball court at Taman Bumiko will undergo rectification works after failing to fully meet required quality standards, following an official site inspection.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I, Datuk Sebastian Ting, said certain components of the project did not comply with stipulated specifications and must be improved to ensure public safety and long-term durability.

The upgrading and repairing works were carried out under the 2024 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the Piasau constituency, with an allocation of RM150,000.

“Defects were identified in several repaired components, which require resurfacing and repainting of the court,” he said.

The project scope included repairs and maintenance of damaged drains and rainwater pipes, replacement of basketball backboards with iron flames fitted with transparent tempered glass boards, installation of new rim and nets, addition of benches, resurfacing works and repainting of the playing surface.

Ting inspected the site yesterday, together with his service team, officers from the Miri City Council Engineering Department, the contractor and members of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

“I have raised these issues with the contractor and instructed the necessary on-site improvements,” he said.

“After the rectification works are completed, I will return to conduct another inspection to ensure the project complies fully with the original specifications and is safe for public use,” he said, noting that the project would only be handed over after all follow-up rectification works are fully completed.

He emphasised that the quality and safety of public facilities must never be compromised, particularly those frequently used by youths and residents for daily recreational activities.

He further noted that the implementation of the RTP is not merely about upgrading infrastructure, but also about enhancing the overall quality of life within the community.

Monitoring of works, he added, must not be treated as a mere formality, and every public allocation must deliver tangible benefits.

In addition, Ting announced an extra RM50,000 allocation under the RTP for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the court area.

The move aims to strengthen safety monitoring, improve facility management, prevent vandalism and enhance the overall sense of security.

He expressed hope that residents would make good use of the basketball court and nearby recreational park, encouraging greater community participation and adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.