KUALA LUMPUR: The installation of metal fence around Padang Merbok here is part of the maintenance methods to ensure that the field is always in the best condition and can be used optimally, says Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah.
The Kuala Lumpur mayor said the use of the field without control and a regular system in place resulted in the green area often being damaged, thus incurring high repair and upgrade costs.
"Now with the fence, I'm sure the maintenance of the field will be carried out effectively and anyone can make a booking to use it.
"Even when people want to enter, we can manage it well and if the field is damaged we will close it for a while to do repair works before reopening,” he told Bernama on Saturday (Aug 6) night.
On Saturday, the media reported that two Federal Territories MPs asked for an explanation from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) regarding the metal fence about five feet (1.5 metres) high being erected around Padang Merbok, and described it as sending the wrong signal to the people of Kuala Lumpur.
Among the questions include the fact that the fence is seen to be preventing the public from using public facilities for recreation as well as preventing them from gathering before walking to the parliament building to send a memorandum or through a protest.
Mahadi said the public was still allowed to use Padang Merbok with scheduled permission and a similar approach has also been implemented in several other areas for such a purpose.
He added that Padang Merbok, which also has drainage issues, was still undergoing upgrading works and has not yet been opened to the public.
Earlier, Mahadi officiated the closing ceremony and final match of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Public Housing (PA) and People's Housing Project (PPR) Football Tournament or DBKL Home Cup 2022 at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium.
Mahadi said the football tournament aims to revive sports activities in PA and PPR areas as well as being a medium for residents to highlight football talent to be promoted to a higher level.
He said the tournament which started on July 16 will be an annual affair and it is hoped to attract the interest of young people in the area towards a more positive lifestyle.- Bernama
