The algae-covered diving pool at the Bandar Tun Razak Swimming Pool Complex lies unused. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN and AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Ageing Bandar Tun Razak facility to be replaced with RM50mil international standard complex
AFTER years of breakdowns and temporary closures, Kompleks Renang Kuala Lumpur has reached the end of the road.
The 40-year-old facility in Bandar Tun Razak will be rebuilt, but it will take five years before residents can take a dip there again.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) confirmed that the facility, located near the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, will be demolished and replaced by an aquatic complex of international standard.
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Construction is set to begin in December 2026, with completion expected by 2030.
In a statement to StarMetro, DBKL said the entire structure comprising competition, diving and children’s pools would be rebuilt from the ground up under a RM50mil redevelopment plan approved in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) under Budget 2026.
Clear signs of disrepair at the complex in Bandar Tun Razak, which was built in 1984.
Currently, the main competition pool measures 50m by 21m with eight lanes and a depth of between 1.5m and 1.8m.
The diving pool is 21m long, 31.2m wide and 5m deep, while the children’s pool ranges from 0.3m to 0.6m in depth.
“Under the redevelopment plan, all three pools will be rebuilt to meet international standards, with two additional lanes added to the competition pool to increase its capacity to host major sporting events.
ALSO READ: KL sports complex, public pool still closed for repairs
“At the same time, the entire complex will undergo a significant upgrade that includes the gymnasium, changing rooms, washrooms, offices, cafeteria, media area and spectator seating.”
DBKL said several preliminary technical studies, including structural, mechanical, electrical and soil investigations had been completed and presented in January this year.
It was previously reported that the sports facility was facing malfunctions due to mechanical and electrical issues and had been closed a few times.
Closed for upgrades: The dilapidated 40-year-old Bandar Tun Razak swimming pool complex is expected to be rebuilt from the ground up. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
When StarMetro visited the site, the 50m competition pool was filled with stagnant greenish water.
Cracked tiles lined its edges and rust stains streaked across the diving platforms and walkways.
Along the pool deck, faded railings and peeling paint hinted at years of neglect.
The surface of the children’s pool behind a grey perimeter wall was covered with algae.
Weeds pushed through the crevices between concrete slabs and even the plastic spectator seats bore blackened patches from age and disuse.
A security guard, who did not wish to be identified, said the venue had undergone intermittent closures since the movement control order during the Covid-19 pandemic before being reopened temporarily to the public.
StarMetro report on Oct 12, 2023.
For long-time users, the announcement brought some clarity.
“I welcome the announcement that the complex will be redeveloped.
“As someone who has used the facility many times, I’ve seen its condition gradually decline, so it’s time for an upgrade,” said Hui Zen Han, a Cheras resident.
Another regular, Agenia Lim, recalled how the pool had long served as a learning ground for local children.
The Malaysian Age Group Championship held at Kompleks Renang Kuala Lumpur in 2011. — Filepic
“This has been a place where my children learned to swim from dedicated instructors since they were young.
“It would be wonderful if they could continue to enjoy the facility once it reopens,” she said.
Concerns over the deteriorating condition of the pool surfaced in August 2023, when users highlighted broken tiles, ageing structures and facilities that were no longer safe for public use.
On Oct 12, 2023, StarMetro in its report, “KL sports complex, public pool still closed for repairs” highlighted that upgrading works would take place.
Maimunah visiting the KL complex in January to assess conditions. — Courtesy of DBKL
Built in 1984 together with Cheras Football Stadium, the pool has never undergone any major refurbishment.
Given the worsening condition, DBKL later restricted the facility to Malaysia Games (Sukma) trainees only, as cracked tiles and structural wear had injured users.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin made a site visit last year.
Their walkabout revealed that the deterioration was more severe than expected.
Rust stains and cracked tiles line the deck of the complex.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif visited the complex in January to assess the condition of the facility.
Her visit focused on identifying areas that required upgrading to ensure the complex continued to meet the needs of surrounding communities.
DBKL had tasked its Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports Department as well as Project Implementation Department to prepare a paper detailing several options, including a full upgrade of the complex.
Officials had said that repairing a 40-year-old facility might cost almost as much as building anew.
Another pool upgrade
The Bangsar Sports Complex, which has been closed for several years, is undergoing a RM3.5mil upgrade of its swimming pool, funded by DBKL’s internal allocation.
The works include improving the adult and children’s pools, upgrading the water circulation system, repairing drains and replacing lights with LED fittings.
A new storage room, OKU-friendly ticket counter and covered spectator seating are also being added.
The project, which retains the pool’s existing depth of 0.9m to 1.5m, is slated for completion by March 2026.
As of now, physical progress stands at 34.56% against the scheduled 49.66%.
DBKL said it was focusing on site coordination and work optimisation to keep the project on track.
“Both projects reflect DBKL’s commitment to improving public sports facilities in Kuala Lumpur, ensuring they remain relevant, safe and appealing in line with efforts to promote a healthy and inclusive lifestyle,” the statement said.
