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Kota Kinabalu: Broken amenities at the Likas Sports Complex gymnasium that have gone unattended for a long time pose serious safety risks to children, leaving parents wondering whether the yearly allocation under the State budget for the Sports Ministry for maintenance of sports facilities is being squandered. 

“The current condition of the hall is pathetic. There are broken glass, shattered mirrors, collapsing walls, leaking ceilings and parts of it fall during training sessions.

“These dangers pose direct risks to children practising gymnastics, making the environment unacceptable for a sport facility meant for young athletes,” a parent who declined to be identified said.

According to the parent, parts of the building previously accessible can no longer be used. Areas connected to the gymnastics section are now falling apart with walls deteriorating and structural integrity compromised. 

The parent recalled that the building was once better maintained, as it was not only used for sports activities but cultural events and competitions as well. “During that time, the venue was clean, accessible, and felt safe for families and athletes alike. 

“Now, even the sports equipment are badly damaged. Safety cushions are worn out with the filling coming out, and the mats are in poor condition. Even the seating is unsafe, as the seats detach from their metal frames,” she said. 

She expressed deep disappointment over the situation, finding it unacceptable given that this is a public sports facility. 

“We parents are willing to raise funds, but this responsibility should not fall on us. Proper maintenance and safety should be handled by the authorities.”

Another parent said they know of some among them who had raised the matter with the person-in-charge, even filing numerous reports but no action was taken. 

“We cannot afford to wait and see if the situation worsens because there are children training at least three times a week, for about three hours each session. If a serious accident were to happen and action was only taken later, it would be too late. This is a matter of life and safety, not a minor inconvenience.” 

She pointed to shards of broken glass with sharp, triangular edges at the entrance to the hall, noting that the issue had been raised repeatedly since last year with the centre’s personnel not bothered. 

“We are not demanding a perfect or beautiful renovation. All we want is immediate action and for the dangerous elements to be removed as soon as possible,” she said. 

She urged relevant authorities to take immediate, visible action rather than continue to submit applications and reports without results.

A gymnast said water leaking from the ceiling was a normal occurrence during training. They fear the water dripping on their heads may contain bacteria. “This place is like a second home to me. All I wish is for the roof to be fixed,” said a parent. 

Likas Assemblyman Datuk Tham Yun Fook said he received many complaints about the inaction by the Ministry concerned. 

He said situation was no longer a maintenance issue but a critical safety failure, and demanded immediate action by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. 

He also said parking facilities around LIkas Sports Complex must be repaired urgently, as the damage has been ignored for far too long. 

“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Failure to act swiftly is a failure of responsibility,” he said.