Members of a familiy enjoying the facilities at the pocket park in Taman Kimsar. — Photos: MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star
RESIDENTS of Taman Kimsar, Prai, are having a more conducive and comfortable environment for recreational activities following the upgrading of a pocket park near Sungai Prai in the area.
There are walking tracks and paths for cyclists, integrated children’s playing equipment, swings, seesaws, outdoor gym, rest stations, garden benches, public toilet, water and lighting facilities.
The pocket park is also equipped with parking facilities for cars and motorcycles.
Tecoma trees, rain trees and Semarak Api trees are also planted in the park.
Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Datuk Rozali Mohamud said upgrading work at the 7,174sq m park cost RM500,394.20.
He said the project was a partnership between MPSP and Spectacular Acres Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Belleview Group of Companies.
“We are committed to carrying out the Penang 2030 vision to make the state a Family-Focused Green and Smart State.
“Nature treasures like Sungai Prai needs to be activated and be taken full advantage of.
“MPSP together with the state government and Think City are in the process of manifesting a green connectivity throughout Sungai Prai until Air Itam Dalam in north Seberang Prai,” he said at the recent opening of the upgraded landscape.
Also present at the park were Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy representing chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, Belleview Group of Companies managing director Datuk Sonny Ho Kiong Chan, Penang exco member Phee Boon Poh, MPSP secretary Rosnani Mahmod, MPSP councillors and several Village Community Management Council chairmen.
Rozali said MPSP also proposed to develop two recreational parks in Taman Bandar Ampang Jajar, Permatang Pauh, and Taman Rekreasi Sembilang, Seberang Jaya, along Sungai Prai.
Phee, in his speech, said the state government would not compromise with those involved in polluting and destroying the environment.
“We have given full support to MPSP for taking action against those who destroy and pollute the environment.
“Action will be taken against the culprit under the National Land Code and Environment Quality Act,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramasamy, who is also Prai assemblyman, said the upgrading work was one of the programmes held to beautify Sungai Prai.
‘Over the years, we have organised many programmes to beautify the river and its surroundings.
“Any programmes carried out in the vicinity of Sungai Prai must be done meticulously before the state government approves it.
“I feel that Sungai Prai should not only be green and beautiful, but be turned into a water resource for the state,” he said.
Ramasamy also praised Spectacular Acres Sdn Bhd for taking up the upgrading project.
“This is an example of a private partnership between the state government through MPSP and the private sector.
“I hope other developers will come out with similar projects,” he said, adding that he would install five closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the park with funds from his constituency allocation.
MPSP councillor K. Jason Raj said he would install two solar spotlights at the park to curb vandalism and unwanted activities at the park during the night.
