Playground, outdoor gym near Klang stadium in disrepair

THE playground bordering Stadium Sultan Suleiman in Jalan Padang, Klang poses potential danger to children due to its poor condition.

Entrepreneur Azy Yati Jailan, 40, said most playground equipment was unusable.

Playground slides are broken with sharp edges sticking out, swings have given way and are dangling from chains while tree roots have dislodged concrete slabs along pathways.

“The raised concrete slab might cause a child to trip and fall and the child can get injured. It is a long-standing issue that needs to be addressed. All equipment and structures are outdated,” she said.

Parent Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman, 41, who is in the spare parts industry, said a playground was a great asset for families to take their children to.

“Most of us parents feel that the playground managed by Klang Municipal Council (MPK) has become a liability as it is unsafe and does not benefit the community,” he said.

“MPK needs to keep the park and recreation facilities safe as it is a key to community wellness.”

Abdul Halim said the outdoor wooden gym equipment around the stadium was broken.

“Even the pathway with interlocking bricks are damaged because lorries used the path to unload high-mast flood light poles in June and July,” he said.

Azy Yati says most playground equipment such as the slides are broken and dangerous.

“People using the pathway are upset that the bricks are uneven and want it repaired.”

He said in some areas, the grass had grown knee-high while muddy patches and clogged drains were making park-goers annoyed.

Businessman, Zainuddin Abdullah, 55, said the outdoor gym equipment was not well-maintained and MPK had not repaired them.

Gravel is seen littered together with wood pieces along the pathway caused by the construction works of high-mast floods lights.

Exposed electrical cables can be seen and these put people’s lives in danger.

Zainuddin said rubber mats at the children’s playground had peeled off, the swings broken and reflexology area was in bad shape.

“We are moving towards city status. It is time MPK refurbished public facilities and not leave them to rot,” he said.

MPK Corporate Communications Department director Norfiza Mahfiz said the park fell under the council’s Gardens and Recreation Department.

He said discussions were ongoing to determine the budget for refurbishing the Jalan Padang park.

“A preliminary audit has been carried out.

“Children’s play equipment, outdoor gym, the foot reflexology path and pathway bordering the Stadium Sultan Suleiman and all other amenities will be repaired,” she added. — By EDWARD RAJENDRA