From Sabah’s pride to Sabah’s shame: Tg Aru library hit by vandalism

Photo Credit - Bernard Lee Facebook

KOTA KINABALU: The new library in Tanjung Aru, which just opened on April 1, has been hit by vandalism, and the damage to its facilities has forced it to temporary close its children’s section.

There is graffiti on walls, shelves and tables, while books were strewn everywhere. A toilet seat was broken and trash bins damaged.

Sabah Library director Wong Vui Yin said he was shocked and sad when he found out about the vandalism at the library.

“When the library was opened to the public, we had high hopes of it functioning as a learning centre for children and a study area for students and adults.

“Our staff and cleaners are clearing up the mess – it is a tedious job to make sure that the stains are cleared without damaging the property,” he told The Star on Tuesday (April 9).

The children’s section is scheduled to reopen on Thursday (April 11), with stricter regulations.

Photos Credit - D' Jesselton Sabah Facebook

“Everyone will have their bags checked for crayons, pens or marker pens before they are allowed into the children's section or other relevant parts of the library,” Wong said.

He said such stationery would be confiscated temporarily and only returned when the owners leave the library.

“We will also deploy more staff and security guards,” he added.

Wong also advised parents to be more mindful and to ensure their children draw or colour at a designated board, where chalk is provided.

“This library is not like conventional libraries because we encourage exploration while learning here.

“But all this must be done within designated areas and parents must be responsible for their children, while adults should have the common sense to not destroy public property,” he said.

Wong added that the Tanjung Aru Library believes in education and awareness and would not take legal action against any offenders for now.

“We are in this new era where learning is not confined to just books, and that's why we introduced a different concept for this new library.

“But with that, everyone must play a role to ensure that this public facility can be enjoyed by all for a long time,” he said.

The library, with a 62,000 sq ft built-up area, has motifs of Sabah's ethnic communities incorporated into its design, with various activities for people of all ages.