The Mutiara Rini Urban Forest in Taman Mutiara Rini is a popular spot for visitors to exercise and get some fresh air. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
THE public will soon be able to visit the Mutiara Rini Urban Forest at night as the park in Johor Baru will be extending its operating hours to 10pm.
Located in Taman Mutiara Rini, the urban forest currently operates until 7pm daily, said Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) councillor Lim Soon Hai.
“We are planning to extend the park’s opening hours at the end of November.
Lim says works are already ongoing to prepare the park for the longer operating hours.“Last year, I suggested on opening the park until after sunset as it will give the public a chance to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors after work,” he said.
“I got the idea from visiting the beautiful parks in Taiwan, that are brightly lit and lively during the night.
“Upon Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad’s agreement, plans were set in motion and the first phase of upgrades began last month,” Lim told StarMetro.
He added that works were ongoing to prepare the park for the longer operating hours including installing solar-powered lamp posts and putting up LED lights to ensure the area would be well lit.
“Closed-circuit television units will also be installed and there’ll be more frequent patrolling by security guards around the park to ensure visitor safety.
“Besides that, the park’s gym, walkway and playground are undergoing repairs and upgrades to provide better comfort to visitors,” he said.
A fresh coat of paint would also be given to the park’s structures and lake area, he said, adding that more parking spaces were being constructed, with an additional entrance to ease traffic flow.
He said MBIP was also considering adding a water fountain in the park with safe features for children to play.
“We will not allow food stalls to operate in the park because it will lead to issues like cleanliness and attracting pests.
“The 25ha park is a popular spot for the people, including the young and old, to exercise and take part in recreational activities especially on weekends.
“By extending the opening hours until 10pm, we hope the park will be a community space for the public to unwind on weekdays and spend more quality family time,” said Lim, who is in charge of Skudai Baru zone.
Chong says opening the park at night is a good idea for families to spend more time outdoors.Frequent park visitor TC Chong, 67, said opening the park at night was a good idea for families to spend more time outdoors.
“Children these days are always on their gadgets, so the park will be a good place for them to take a stroll and be close to nature after dinner,” said the Taman Universiti resident.
Sales executive Nadia Abd Wahab, 30, is also looking forward to the park’s longer operating hours so she could ride her bicycle after work.
“I hope the park will be well lit and safe for visitors to jog and cycle.
“I also hope visitors will utilise the park for healthy activities and refrain from abusing the facilities so that all of us can enjoy the park at night,” she added.
