THE Bagan Specialist Centre in Butterworth today announced the opening of its new public park to promote healthy living among the residents in its vicinity.
It is called ‘Taman Rekreasi Bagan’.
Located just in front of the main entrance of the hospital, the 2.6-acre land features a full-size football field, jogging track, play area, family activity zone, a space allocated for elderly activities and a community urban farm.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present earlier to officiate the opening of the park, commended the hospital for their commitment and efforts in materialising today’s meaningful and valuable initiative.
“In addition to promoting healthy living, I believe such open spaces play a vital role in providing a safe and welcoming space for residents and patients of all ages to gather and engage in different types of activities.
“When the Bagan Specialist Centre brainstormed for such a platform, I’m sure they must have thought locally and act globally.
“Thought local because the features of this park are very much in line with the state’s Penang 2030 vision for a Family-Focused Green and Smart State that inspires the Nation.
“Act global because it is quite unusual to witness a healthcare centre has a green space just next to it.
“As for open spaces, it is very dear to us and for a long time, we have consistently been advocating for such spaces to be utilised the right way for the benefit of the public.
“Open spaces should not remain open. It should be used by the community for the community.
“The state government will see if we can work on a directory to create a shared space for all when it comes to this issue.
“The original idea will always be to remain open spaces in green because regardless of the activities carried out, we must understand the importance of cultivating green initiatives in all of it,” Chow said during his speech before launching the park today.
It is learnt that the hospital had spent RM1.2 million on this project.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who was also present at the event, said that people should stop viewing hospitals merely as treatment centres but as a space to undergo regular health screenings.
“When you start experiencing stress, it is essential to do regular health screening.
“There are a lot of silent symptoms that we don’t know that could be in us.
“As for today’s programme, it is unique to see a hospital and a park exist side-by-side.
“It’s a plus point for all, especially the patients here as they can utilise this space while admitted.
“Most of the time, patients get bored when their options to move about become limited, but with such an open space, they could have a stroll at the park, exercise and carry out quality activities with their loved ones,” Yeoh said in her speech.
Separately, Yeoh recalled a painful incident when she had recently encountered parents who grieved the loss of their child through health issues.
“The parents gave me a portrait of their child and told me to organise or urge relevant bodies to hold health camps for youths.
“We are so glued to our devices these days that sometimes we tend to neglect the importance of staying healthy.
“Hence, I would like to urge hospitals to hold more health camps within their premises to educate and advise people to stay healthy,” Yeoh added.
She added that her ministry had recently come across several recreational spaces that were not properly maintained throughout the country.
“On our side, we are working with relevant parties, such as the local councils to standardise a platform to ensure seamless access for the public to identify recreational spaces near them,” she said.
Also present earlier were Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng, hospital chief executive officer Cheow Jen Hurn, managing director Dr Tan Hui Ling and director Datuk Seri Tan Hui Jing.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis