The large neighbourhood field at Taman Selayang Utama (Phase 1), Batu Caves, is poorly maintained and lacks additional facilities.
RESIDENTS of Taman Selayang Utama (Phase 1) in Batu Caves, Selangor, want their neighbourhood field to be upgraded with recreational facilities.
They want Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to repair the field and complement it with facilities like jogging track, outdoor gym and playing courts.
The underutilised and uneven field was unsafe for public use, residents said.
Long-time resident P. Kopinath said only a corner portion of the field can be used for sports and games.
He said, the rest of the field was prone to water ponding and muddy during downpours.
“Residents will put the field to good use if MPS upgrades the field.
“This is a mature neighbourhood with residents of all ages who will benefit if there are facilities at the field which is near their homes.
“At present, we have to use the neighbouring field about 15 minutes’ walking distance,” he said during a press conference at the site.
Resident Kevin Tan said they would be grateful if security features like lighting and fences were installed.
“We need better lighting here especially for those using the field at night.
“The fences will help limit entry points into the field,” he said.
Residents sought the help of community activist Yee Poh Ping to highlight their request to MPS.
“If the government is serious about encouraging the people to exercise, then proper facilities must be made available,” said Yee.“There is a spacious field in front of the houses but residents have to jog on the road because the field is uneven.
“Residents want to use the field for outdoor activities.
“They propose drawing up courts for badminton or sepak takraw.
“The courts can also be used to hold community events.”
Yee said that he had submitted the residents’ proposal to MPS for consideration.
Yee added that MPS must look at all other neighbourhood fields and upgrade them accordingly.
“There are many fields in a similar poor state. Only a few have been upgraded.
“MPS needs to be proactive in this matter if it is serious about encouraging Selayang folk to lead a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
The council was contacted for comments but there was no response at press time.
