RECREATIONAL fields play a crucial role for social integration between people of all races and such open spaces should be well maintained and preserved.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president S. M. Mohd Idris said the fields should be treated as “investments” that were beneficial to the society.
“The availability of green space is a basic human right and the authorities should play an active role in preventing the destruction of existing playing fields,” he said in a press statement.
Mohd Idris was commenting on a StarMetro report on the sorry state of affairs at Padang Datuk Keramat, popularly known as Padang Brown here.
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SORRY SIGHT: Padang Brown is marred by ruts made mostly by motorcycles and bicycles. |
Penang Malay Association (Pemenang) president Datuk Seri Mohd Yussof Latiff was quoted as saying that the field, which was an important historical site where freedom fighters and supporters once gathered to show their nationalistic spirit, was now in a state of neglect.
Calling on the authorities to upgrade the field, Mohd Yusoff also urged the Penang Municipal Council to organise activities there to let the younger generation know the historical significance of the place.
Mohd Idris said SAM was also very concerned over the rampant use of open space for development projects and serious efforts should be taken to stop this.
“Our local authorities are either ignorant to the importance of open fields or they are closing a blind eye to the state of affairs of open grounds that are sorely lacking in this city,” he added.
