QUITE a number of Penangites were taken aback by the closure of the public recreational parks in the state beginning today till Jan 26 despite an announcement had been made yesterday by the authorities.
Some of them only realised about the parks’ closure after being prevented from entering the Botanic Gardens and Penang City Park, or formerly known as Youth Park, by security personnel manning roadblocks at these two places.
Entrances leading to Penang City Park and Botanic Gardens were cordoned off after the state acted upon the order from the National Security Council (NSC) to temporarily close the parks in a bid to curb spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Confusion arose when jogging and cycling were allowed, except in groups, when the MCO was initially announced on Jan 11. On Jan 14, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri explained that public parks are closed during MCO and the two activities are meant to be allowed only around the individual’s neighbourhood.
A check by Buletin Mutiara found some joggers and cyclists were unaware of the public parks’ closure.
A middle-aged jogger was among those who were turned away at the Botanic Gardens.
“I totally have no idea that this place which I frequently carry out my daily exercises is now closed till the MCO ends on Jan 26.
“I sense something amiss when I see no people around.
“I think the authorities should allow parks in Penang to open as usual but with stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“I am going back now to have a good rest since I am off today,” said Hasmadi Omar, 45, who is working at a hotel in town.
Cyclist Muhd Kassim Mydin, 70, was also caught off guard after being told to make a U-turn when nearing the security check points.
The pensioner told Buletin Mutiara that he did not know that all parks in Penang are temporarily closed beginning today.
“Well, I have no qualms about that at all as I understand the authorities are doing their best for the sake of everyone.
“This is because they worry that some runners and cyclists may gather without any physical distancing when exercising at public places.
“I might continue my cycling routine nearby my house in Perak Road beginning tomorrow,” Kassim said.
A senior citizen, Au Ah Kay, 68, only became aware that the public parks are out of bounds after seeing few vehicles being turned away.
“I usually come for a slow jog at around Penang City Park and Botanic Gardens daily.
“But no worries. I will continue my jog nearby the roadside before going back,” said Au, who is staying in Medan Lumba Kuda, Ayer Itam.
In a statement issued yesterday, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the Penang City Park, Metropolitan Park, Botanic Gardens and public recreational areas at dams and reservoirs are closed.
Only a maximum of two people, Soon said, could jog nearby their homes while cycling activity is only permitted within 10km from the individual’s home on a solo basis.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi