By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, March 8: There is no question that Sarawak needs more recreational parks, but it’s more important to know how to use these parks fully, says Minister of Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He shared that the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park is thriving with activities as visitors make full use of the facilities there, adding that the next step for parks in Sarawak is how to make them more useful.
“That is why a city council like Kuching City South Council (MBKS) tries to do their best to manage recreational parks under their jurisdiction,” he said at the MBKS Chinese New Year 2024 gathering at the council lobby today.
Dr Sim said this in response to the federal Housing and Local Government Ministry’s plan to build 50 recreational parks nationwide each year.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who echoed Dr Sim’s views, welcomed the federal government’s aim to build more recreational parks nationwide if it has the funding.
However, Wee said that MBKS has more than 50 recreational parks and 100 open spaces under its jurisdiction and that he preferred that these facilities and spaces be upgraded instead. He added that the council had submitted a request to the federal government for more funding.
“With space in a recreational park, the community living around the area could communicate and foster friendships,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
