THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has successfully completed 56 open space upgrade projects, with a total expenditure of RM14.7 million, from 2008 until now.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran announced this achievement at the launch of the newly upgraded Neighbourhood Park at Persiaran Paya Terubong 2 in Relau today.
The park upgrade, which took eight months to complete, cost RM420,480.
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He said MBPP, in its efforts to enhance the green network, has recorded the planting of 305,537 shady trees from 2018 to July 2024. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (for sustainable cities and communities).
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“In ensuring the well-being of urban life, MBPP remains focused on upgrading open spaces and creating green environments to facilitate public recreation and promote well-being across all demographics and age groups, in line with the state government’s vision towards Penang Age-Friendly City 2030.
“With more public spaces like this, the people of Penang will have more choices for suitable locations with comfortable facilities to engage in recreation and healthy lifestyles.
“You can use the Pearls APP to identify neighbourhood park locations near your residence for recreational activities.
“In 2025, MBPP will continue its efforts to upgrade open spaces with a total allocation of RM5.5 million.
“I hope that the Neighbourhood Park at Persiaran Paya Terubong 2 will be utilised by all segments of society and that the facilities provided will be well-maintained by all users to prevent vandalism. I also hope that the other upgraded projects we have worked on will be well-utilised and properly cared for by the local community,” Rajendran said during his speech.
He also congratulated the MBPP Landscape Department for contributing to the success of the project.
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The park, measuring approximately an acre, is equipped with facilities such as pedestrian pathways, a multi-purpose plaza, children’s playground equipment, a volleyball court, concrete benches, benches for persons with disabilities (PWD), PWD pathways, motorcycle barriers, concrete bollards, park lighting, and tree planting.
At the park, a total of 1,800 shrubs have been planted, comprising four different species, to create a colourful flora impact and improve the environment’s quality.
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Among those present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who is also the Paya Terubong assemblyman, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, MBPP councillors Tan Soo Siang and Rohaizat Hamid, and Sri Relau MPKK chairman Tai Yun Hin.
Wong, Ramkarpal and Rajendran later planted a Pinang tree to mark the launch of the upgraded park.
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Wong said the state government and MBPP delivered the park as promised to the neighbourhood residents, adding to the several sports facilities in the area. He also mentioned that during the water disruption early this year, 60 large water tanks were provided for the residents.
Ramkarpal commended the state and MBPP for upgrading 56 projects and urged them to continue making Penang cleaner and greener.
In a separate matter, Wong said they are exploring alternative sites for the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta if the Teluk Bahang Dam cannot be used due to low water level.
He said the dragon boat races, scheduled for Nov 23-24, might be held in the open sea if the water level remains low.
Currently, the water level is below 30% capacity. When the dragon boat races were held last year, the water level at the dam was around 76% capacity.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian