Mohamad Azhan flagging off the treasure hunt for disabled visitors at Petaling Jaya’s National Landscape Day in Taman Aman.
PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) may become the first local council in South-East Asia to receive child-friendly city recognition from Unicef.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir said the city council received a child-friendly city candidacy from Unicef during MBPJ’s anniversary celebrations last year.
“There are still some criteria to be met and once they are completed, we will submit to Unicef.
“In Malaysia, there is no other council that is pursuing this other than Kuching South City Council (MBKS) which has met and discussed with MBPJ in becoming child-friendly cities.
“MBPJ has encouraged MBKS to pursue this but the council is still in its initial stages,” he said during Petaling Jaya’s National Landscape Day 2023 which was held in collaboration with Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled (Milad) and Selangor Action Council for the Disabled (MTOS).
Over 500 people visited Taman Aman in SS22, Petaling Jaya, during the event from 7am to noon.
Visitors enjoyed various activities such as Zumba, treasure hunt, karaoke competition by MTOS as well as exhibition on waste management, petting zoo with pony rides and planting of plants.
Mohamad Azhan said he chose Taman Aman because it had complete facilities for the disabled, including wide pathways for wheelchairs and an outdoor gym.
“The programme is aligned with the Petaling Jaya Smart, Sustainable and Resilient City 2030 (PJSSR 2030) which includes ‘inclusive city’ as one of our 10 main themes.
“Inclusive city as in not excluding anyone, regardless of their disabilities,” he said.
Milad chairman Sia Siew Chin said other local councils should emulate MBPJ.
“Those with disabilities living in Petaling Jaya are fortunate as there are many facilities, such as free bus rides here.
“These facilities are important as they help the disabled be independent.
“As for those living in other areas, it is difficult for them as they lack facilities,” said Sia.
United Voice treasurer Johari Jamali said he enjoyed the activities at Petaling Jaya’s National Landscape Day.
“The best activity was the treasure hunt that required visitors to search for and scan a QR code and jot down our personal information within the time limit to win prizes,” he said.
