The suggestion that public parks be made elderly-friendly was raised at the MBJB’s full board meeting. — Filepic
PUBLIC parks should be upgraded to better fit the needs of senior citizens, says Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) councillor S. Pannir.
Pannir, who oversees the Teluk Danga zone, said this was important not only for the health and safety of the elderly, but also to improve their quality of life.
“There is a playground in Taman Tasek that has become a place for the elderly to socialise and do some recreational activities.
“However, the facilities at the playground are not suitable for their needs.
Pannir says facilities for the elderly reflect the council’s commitment to all ratepayers.
“As such, I am requesting for the playground at Taman Tasek to be upgraded to include facilities that are more suitable for seniors,” he said during MBJB’s full board meeting.
He said MBJB should consider installing equipment for light exercises, providing a suitable walkway and adding more seats.
“Such an effort could also be seen as a reflection of our commitment to ensuring everyone in society can enjoy public amenities,” he said.
Chan says MBJB should comeup with plan to use government reserve land to benefit public.
On another matter, Pannir also proposed that MBPJ put up signboards displaying the names of villages, especially for Kampung Sungai Danga and Kampung Skudai Kiri.
“This will not only make it easier for visitors to identify the area but could also strengthen and preserve the identity of these villages,” he said.
Chan San San, who is councillor for the Johor Jaya and Taman Rinting zone, proposed that MBJB use government reserve land in a way that could benefit the public.
Sheikh Ahmad says MBJB should set up committee comprising young councillors.
“Recently an operation was conducted with the state health and environment committee chairman to destroy the breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes in Taman Johor Jaya.
“During the operation, we were shocked by the number of abandoned cars left on empty land.
“I hope MBJB can come up with a way to use these plots of land for a recreational park or community garden where people could plant fruits and vegetables.
“It could also be used as a parking area, which is scarce in many places or to build mosques and schools,” she said.
Datuk Sheikh Ahmad Nafiq Alfirdaous, who is councillor for the Bandar zone, proposed that MBJB form a sub-committee among young councillors to boost future initiatives.
“This term, there are many young MBJB councillors and I believe they have great capabilities and energy.
“I suggest that MBJB form a committee consisting of younger councillors that could help drive our efforts to bring the council forward.
“They could work with the relevant departments to carry out activities, programmes and initiatives that could benefit the people,” he said.
