Johor aquatic facility to close until January due to pool water contamination

The Johor Baru City Council Aquatic Centre (MBJB) Larkin Arena in the Malaysian city of Johor is to be closed until January next year as a result of E.coli contamination in its pool water.

The major aquatic facility in the southern city of Johor was first closed last month after 19 students out of 900 participants in a swim tournament were taken to hospital after experiencing symptoms including vomiting, fever and itchy skin. The symptoms were believed to have been caused by the water in the swimming pool and diving pool at the facility.

Subsequent water sample test results on 30th July confirmed that it contained E. coli bacteria.

Advising of this, Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee Chairman, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah advised "we regret that the centre management did not prepare the pool properly, resulting in 19 participants in the Johor School Sports Council (MSSJ) 2024 Aquatic Championship last Thursday (25th July) showing unhealthy symptoms.

"I was informed the water was contaminated with small amounts of E-coli bacteria following test results from the Chemistry Department obtained this morning.”

Mohd Hairi went on to say “the Health Ministry has given a notice of closure until 6th August to the centre.

"However, after getting the approval of the Johor State Assembly, the centre will be opened after a cleanliness check by the Chemistry Department and the Health Ministry, as well as the replacement of the anti-corrosion system by Damansara Assets, before it is handed over to the Johor Baru City Council early January next year.

"Even though the water is clean, we don't want to take risks. I don't want us to rush to open this aquatic centre but it ends up posing a risk for young athletes. Therefore, we have a long-term plan.”

The closure of the popular facility will see renovation works at the sports facility, including the replacement of the anti-corrosion system as well as the replacement of tiles in both the plunge pool and the swimming pool, in addition to ensuring that the water drainage system is completely clean.

Image: The Johor Baru City Council Aquatic Centre (MBJB) Larkin Arena.