Playgrounds to be upgraded soon

Residents have been asked to be more responsible and stop turning playgrounds into their own gardens by placing flower pots, scrap metal and abandoned cars there.

PETALING JAYA(Steets NST): Playgrounds can create and strengthen bonds between children from all walks of life, especially those living in high-density areas.

State assemblyman Haniza Talha (second from right) and MBPJ officials checking on the condition of a playground in Taman Medan.

This is according to Taman Medan state assemblyman Haniza Talha, who spoke during a joint-visit with MBPJ officials to playgrounds in her constituency.

With that in mind, Haniza said that 10 sites in the area, including four playgrounds, have been earmarked for upgrading into futsal fields as youths prefer this sport.

Among the sites to be transformed into fustal fields are the volleyball courts at PJS 2D/11 and PJS 3/55.

Other suggested futsal field sites include five areas in PJS 1, one in PJS 2, three in PJS 3 and one in PJS 4.

"MBPJ has allocated RM200,000 to upgrade these to sites, but we would like other spots, including areas in PJS 1, PJS 2, PJS 3 and PJS 4 to benefit as well," said Haniza.

Meanwhile, several residents have lamented the poor conditions of certain existing playgrounds, some of which have become safety hazards.

"We are concerned over over-grown bushes near certain playgrounds as there had been several cases of encounters with snakes, which is certainly dangerous," said Esah Mohd Din, a resident in PJS 2D/11.

"Here in Taman Buana Perdana at PJS 3, the playground is sinking as there is loose soil underneath the playground mat," said resident Yuslan Yusof.

The bad news is, the condition of these playgrounds may not improve any time soon.

According to MBPJ landscape architect assistant director Nurbaiti Abdul Wahab, there is no budget to upgrade all the playgrounds, as there is a long waiting list of those with problems all over Petaling Jaya.

Nevertheless, she is glad that the playgrounds at PJS 2D/11 and PJS 3/55 will be upgraded soon.

Haniza said she was pleased that the MBPJ had accompanied her on her survey of the area.

"We are glad that MBPJ has come forward to discuss and follow us on our field trip, but we would need their co-operation to tell us the ideal ratio of how many residents of Taman Medan there should per every field.

"We don't want the public, especially youths, to fight over fields as it is obvious there's a lack of play areas in Taman Medan.

"Priority needs to be given to those who need it the most," said Haniza.

"Children from this area are mostly from the lower-income group and they can't afford to participate in expensive sports.

"As such, they rely on their playgrounds for leisure.

"Let's work together to help them.

"In return, the residents need to understand the difficulty in securing decent fields," she said.

Residents themselves were also called on to take good care of the playgrounds in their area.

According to Haniza, residents have been asked to be more responsible and stop turning playgrounds into their own gardens by placing flower pots, scrap metal and old abandoned cars there.

"In addition to other problems, this would also encourage unwanted activities to take place there too," she said.