This comes after media reported that 19 students, who were participants of an aquatic competition organised by the Johor School Sports Council last week, were sent to the hospital after experiencing vomiting, fever, and skin irritation following their use of the facility.

“The chemistry department ran an analysis on nine water samples collected from the centre, including from the main swimming pool, the diving pool, the storage tank, and the restrooms.

“All samples taken showed E coli contamination,” said Johor executive councillor Hairi Mad Shah.

Hairi, who is the state exco in charge of youth, sports, entrepreneur development, cooperatives, and human resources, added that the bacteria was only present in small amounts but still posed a risk, reported Utusan Malaysia.

E coli is a bacterium that lives in the intestines of humans and animals and typically causes infections through contaminated food, water, or contact with faecal matter carrying the bacteria.

It can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and, in severe cases, dehydration, which can be life-threatening.

On Sunday, Sinar Harian reported that Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi appeared shocked and outraged upon seeing the poor maintenance and condition of both pools during a surprise visit to the aquatic centre.

He said a report was received that out of the 900 participants of the swimming competition, 19 were hospitalised.

He also said the aquatic centre would be temporarily closed pending the results of the water sample analysis by the chemistry department.