The planned redesign of parks in Klang follows a similar initiative at Taman Rakyat, Sri Andalas, earlier this year. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN, LOW BOON TAT and SAMUEL ONG/The Star
KLANG’s ageing public parks, vital to community well-being and civic pride, are finally getting a major facelift.
Recognising their central role, Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) has initiated a massive redesign, with the goal of tackling long-standing issues – from outdated equipment to safety concerns – while creating sustainable, inclusive green spaces where children and seniors alike can thrive.
Mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said the redesign of the parks follows a similar initiative at Taman Rakyat in Taman Sri Andalas, which was completed earlier this year.
Abd Hamid: Redesign of Klang parks for overall community well-being.
Vision for healthy, inclusive parks
MBDK’s “Madani City Parks Redesign Well-being” initiative supports the creation of healthy parks that are truly inclusive.
According to Abd Hamid, the initiative would accommodate all ages and the physically challenged by incorporating features like accessible pathways, ample seating and multi-functional areas for recreation.
The initial projects will focus on redesigning five areas: Pandamaran Sports Complex off Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Taman Chi Liung park on Jalan Menalu, and spaces in Taman Jalan Kem in Port Klang, Jalan Serampang in Teluk Pulai, and Taman Damai in Kapar.
Elements include better drainage, new playground equipment, open plazas, picnic spots and amenities for diverse age groups such as badminton courts, to ensure they serve the entire community. (See graphic.)
The redesign plans, Abd Hamid said, extended beyond mere aesthetics.
MBDK’s in-house landscape architects are actively seeking nature-inspired solutions to mitigate the mounting pressures of floods and deluges due to climate change and population growth in the built environment.
“Based on the city council’s Urban Landscape and Recreational Department’s advice, the parks need to be redesigned to play a critical role in maintaining Klang’s liveability,” he said.
The redesign strategically incorporates green infrastructure and native plants to better manage rainwater and support biodiversity, while the welcoming landscapes encourage physical activity, social interaction and mental health.
“The Madani parks redesign in urban areas will provide natural, relaxing sanctuaries to reduce stress and improve overall mood,” the mayor said.
(From right) Azzura Zainal and Mohammad Sabar being brief by contractor Radzuan Malek on Taman Kem’s redesign.
Mitigating urban heat
Public parks are essential tools in the fight against climate change effects, specifically their ability to cool the environment and mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect.
UHI is a phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas, mainly due to heat-trapping hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt roads and sidewalks.
MBDK landscape architect Mohammad Sabar Mustaffa described public parks as “the lungs of our neighbourhoods”.
He said by redesigning the parks with sustainability in mind, MBDK was not only beautifying the city but actively helping to fight UHI, supporting the bird and insect population for pollination and creating a healthier space for residents to meet.
Workers preparing the grounds at Pandamaran Sports Complex to create an open space for public use.
Community ownership
Commenting on the issue, Selangor State secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin said MBDK’s redesign plans must fully involve people.
This means understanding diverse needs through community feedback.
“Engaging the community through feedback and ongoing communication helps ensure the final park design meets their needs, promotes a sense of ownership and creates a valuable community resource,” said Ahmad Fadzli, who had previously served as Klang Municipal Council president.
He added that a comprehensive redesign must provide a variety of features: safe and engaging play areas for children, quiet zones with shaded seating for seniors, and sports areas for basketball or futsal.
He also urged MBDK to “move with the times” by incorporating interactive features like outdoor digital maps or even a park app to provide real-time information and engage visitors.
In terms of long-term sustainability, Ahmad Fadzli called for the implementation of green practices, such as installing solar-powered lighting and placing separate bins for different waste types to reduce the park’s environmental impact.
He stressed that a long-term continuous strategy was critical to keep amenities and park furniture in good condition, ensuring a positive user experience.
(Above and below) Artist impressions of circular shades and an outdoor jungle gym as part of the redesign plan for public parks in Klang. — Courtesy of MBDK
Plans and timelines
MBDK Urban Landscape and Recreational Department deputy director Azzura Zainal said redesign plans followed questionnaires and public consultations to fully understand community needs.
She acknowledged the challenge of rejuvenating underutilised public parks in an era where open urban spaces are highly valued.
“Creative additions and practical landscapes will create new open and green spaces, promising a breath of fresh air for the neighbourhoods,” she said, adding that the initiative would beautify surroundings, enrich lives and improve community health.
The total cost estimated for the five initial projects is just over RM3.7mil, with some receiving partial financial support from National Landscape Department and Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (Upen).
Azzura noted that despite the rainy weather, all works were progressing well, with contractors putting in extra time to meet deadlines.
Mohammad Sabar also said simple outdoor amenities like picnic tables and barbecue grills in shaded, open-air plazas would motivate families to gather, encouraging both spontaneous and planned interactions.
He also said well-designed parks would allow parents to spend quality time outdoors with their children, fostering stronger family bonds.
Murad Ali says the upgrades will contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors.
Community reactions
Klang resident Murad Ali Abdullah said he was glad that MBDK had engaged the public on the redesigns because this built a strong sense of ownership and stewardship.
“These upgrades are important and can also contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors,” he said.
Serjeet Singh says the redesign will facilitate social interaction and community events.
Taman Melawis resident Serjeet Singh said the redesign would improve the local environment and facilitate community interaction.
“The parks can be gathering places for community events to foster a stronger sense of local identity and pride.”
