The playground is designed to be accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
SHAH ALAM: Sime Darby Property Bhd and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) have launched Malaysia’s first inclusive playground, catering to the needs of children with disabilities.
Located at Sime Darby Property’s City of Elima, this playground was designed to create an environment where children with or without disabilities can play together.
Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican said the opening of the inclusive playground will give children with disabilities a place to play and enjoy the outdoors.
“Children’s developmental needs are important when designing townships and inclusivity is a key element in sustainable communities. This partnership combines our strengths in property development and upholding children’s rights, highlighting the added value of designing and building for all,” he said.
The playground is equipped with ramps, spinners and swings that are suitable for children of all abilities. Sensory poles allow children to experiment with different textures while improving their steadiness on balancing logs and stepping stone slabs.
“I like going to the inclusive playground because I can play with my friends. When I play with my friends without disabilities, I don’t feel left out,” said youth disability advocate Janna Adzly.
Janna, a contributor to the inclusive playground design, expressed that she feels most alive when she is out and about with her friends. Although having to be in a wheelchair, the 16-year-old described playtime as the greatest joy of her life.
With Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) supporting the application of Universal Design Principles and the Malaysian Standard 1184 in creating public spaces, the construction of the playground was done in compliance with MBSA’s stringent requirements concerning material durability, maintenance and public acceptance.
As part of this innovative collaboration, a Best Business Practice Circular and Guidance Toolkit was released during the launch to inspire other property developers and city councils to build inclusive, safe and child-friendly spaces.
“It is through strategic partnerships that we will abolish exclusion and discrimination at all levels of society. Malaysia will become truly inclusive,” said Malaysia Unicef representative Dr Rashed Mustafa Sarwar.
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