RESIDENTS will soon have easier access to Padang Merbok in Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, after a three-year closure.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she had instructed Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to carry out upgrading works and reopen the space to the public.
“I visited Padang Merbok myself after being informed that the area had been closed to the public. Personally, I do not quite agree with this decision as Padang Merbok holds historical significance and should be utilised for recreational activities.
“I have instructed DBKL to reopen the gates of Padang Merbok to the public as a recreational space for the community in line with the Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco-Friendly (Chase) City vision,” she said in a statement.
Dr Zaliha said DBKL had also been instructed to improve basic facilities such as lighting, public toilets and other visitor-friendly amenities.
She added that DBKL would organise suitable programmes to revitalise Padang Merbok, such as the establishment of a cafe as a new attraction, to position the area as one of Kuala Lumpur’s main recreational sites.
“I have asked DBKL to review all these matters and present them back to me in the near future,” she said.
In August 2022, security fencing was installed around Padang Merbok as part of upgrading works.
However, this did not sit well with KL-ites, who said the fencing up of the field disrupted their recreational activities.
