MPP chided for poor upkeep of Kampung Haji Baki recreational park
In a city rapidly transforming due to development, public parks in Kuching are increasingly rare, making their preservation all the more critical. MPP must recognise the significance of these green spaces and prioritise their upkeep for the benefit of residents.
Michael Kong
The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has been taken to task over the rundown state of the recreational park in Kampung Haji Baki.
Michael Kong, a special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said he was disheartened to see the public park’s condition during a recent visit.
“As a custodian of public infrastructure, MPP holds the crucial responsibility of maintaining parks, which serve as vital spaces for fostering healthy lifestyles within our communities,” he said in a statement.
Kong claimed that the children’s playground was in a dilapidated state and there was visible wear and tear on facilities such as slides and seesaws.
He said the council’s failure to maintain the public park was detrimental to the well-being of the community.
“In a city rapidly transforming due to development, public parks in Kuching are increasingly rare, making their preservation all the more critical.
“MPP must recognise the significance of these green spaces and prioritise their upkeep for the benefit of residents,” he added.
Meanwhile, in his response to the matter, MPP chairman Tan Kai gave the assurance that the council would upgrade the recreational park at Kampung Haji Baki, once the expansion works on the road meant to link Kota Sentosa and Bau had reached completion.
Tan said his landscape officer had informed him that MPP had earmarked parts of the recreational park to be developed under the road expansion project, and the park facilities would be upgraded upon the completion of the road works.