Members of the select committee had an unpleasant surprise during a random check on a park and playground in Jalan BDP 2/7B in Bandar Damai Perdana, Balakong.
THE Selangor State Assembly Special Select Committee for Local Council had an unpleasant surprise during a random check on a park and playground in Jalan BDP 2/7B, Bandar Damai Perdana, Balakong. There were graffiti on the facilities and some of the signboards were uprooted by vandals.
The field was newly completed and equipped with amenities in February. A check by the select committee at another park in Taman Desa Baiduri, Cheras showed that all the exercise equipment were well-maintained.
It was completed in May last year. At the site visit were committee chairman Dr Idris Ahmad, who is also the Ijok assemblyman, and committee members Eddie Ng and R. Rajiv, the assemblymen for Balakong and Bukit Gasing respectively, and Kajang municipal councillors.
Rajiv said for a park to be given the “active field” status, it has to be equipped with a gazebo, proper lighting, playground sets and outdoor gym.
“Each constituency is supposed to have two active fields a year. There are now 326 active fields in Selangor since the idea was initiated four years ago.
“Our committee looks into issues faced by local councils. Selangor is the only state assembly to have select committees,” he said.
Idris suggested for an “Adopt a Park” programme for residents to have a sense of ownership.
“There should be a campaign to raise awareness, we cannot only depend on enforcement officers.
“The police should also patrol the area and stop by the field,” he said.
Ng said the field in Bandar Damai Perdana was previously an empty land that was in bad shape and it was hoped that having an active field would improve the quality of life of residents in the area.
“The local council cannot monitor 24 hours daily, residents must also play a role. Report to the police if you see anyone damaging public property,” he said.
The committee has yet to ascertain the cost of repairing the vandalised field.
