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What started as an exciting new public space in Johor Bahru has hit a snag just two days after opening
A newly launched water attraction at Hutan Bandar MBJB has been temporarily closed due to hygiene concerns, including what appeared to be faeces near the pool area.
Shortly after opening, the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) announced that the facility would be temporarily closed due to safety concerns, maintenance issues, and vandalism.
In a public notice, MBJB reminded visitors that the water attraction is a shared space that must be responsibly maintained, adding that the actions of a few individuals had affected cleanliness and overall visitor comfort
On Monday, 23 March, Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor shared that the water attraction received an overwhelmingly positive response on its first day.
From 7am to 7pm, an estimated 4,500 visitors visited the recreational park, with around 1,200 enjoying the water attraction.
The turnout highlighted the public's strong demand for accessible recreational spaces, especially for families, children, and those looking to stay active.
To ensure safety and smooth operations, 36 staff members were deployed, including enforcement officers, park rangers, lifeguards, security personnel, and cleaning workers.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has also commented, emphasising that cleanliness, health, and safety are a joint responsibility
He said the response to Hutan Bandar, especially the kids' pool, had been very encouraging, with families and children filling the area. The facility was developed as a free public space for all Johoreans to enjoy.
However, he expressed disappointment over irresponsible behaviour, citing visitors who failed to keep the area clean and allowed children to soil shared spaces.
He stressed that such actions could pose health risks, especially to other children, and urged parents to teach proper behaviour in public places.
Due to the situation and heavy usage, he confirmed that the recreational pool will be temporarily closed for two days for cleaning and repair works, and is expected to reopen on 28 March
Authorities are urging the public to follow rules, maintain cleanliness, and be considerate of others, so that shared spaces like this can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
