Copyright dayakdaily
By Marlynda Meraw KUCHING, Nov 6: The upgrading of BDC Public Park has been completed, marking another milestone in Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) efforts to enhance public green spaces. For Taman Sahabat, new lighting features are planned to improve safety and ambience, especially in the evenings, whereas upgrading works will continue at Hui Sing as part of MBKS’s mission to build “A City That Truly Cares.” Speaking during a site visit to the upgraded BDC Public Park this morning, Wee said the project reflected MBKS’s continuous commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive city. “We are gathered this morning at BDC Public Park to witness how it has been thoughtfully upgraded and transformed into a greener, safer, and more vibrant space for the community,” he said. “The completion of this project marks another significant milestone in our continuous efforts to create a city that promotes health, happiness, and inclusivity for all residents of Kuching South.” The upgrading works, carried out under the Naik Taraf Taman Awam Programme funded by the Department of Landscape Malaysia (Jabatan Landskap Negara) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), took 16 weeks to complete with a cost of over RM475,000. The project began earlier this year and was completed on October 21, 2025. Wee expressed MBKS’s gratitude to KPKT for its support, noting that the successful completion demonstrated the close collaboration between the Federal Government and local authorities, a partnership built on a shared commitment to enhance public well-being and enrich the quality of urban life. The upgraded park now features a welcoming entrance pavilion, new signage, improved walkways, children’s play equipment, outdoor fitness facilities, and fresh landscaping with newly planted trees and shrubs. According to Wee, the rubber flooring at the children’s playground is made from recycled tyres, an environmentally friendly effort aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. The flooring will be replaced every few years to maintain safety and quality. The works were carried out by Cottage Holdings Sdn. Bhd., appointed through open tender. Wee said the initiative aligns with MBKS’s broader commitment to make Kuching South both a Child-Friendly and an Age-Friendly City, in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on good health, sustainable cities, and climate action. He also reminded residents that community cooperation is vital in maintaining public spaces. “Vandalism remains a serious concern, as even the most beautiful facilities cannot be sustained without the community’s care and vigilance. He urged members of the public to play their part in safeguarding community facilities, reminding them to report any acts of vandalism and to take pride in maintaining shared spaces so that the city’s parks remain safe, clean, and welcoming for years to come. “Every park we restore, every tree we plant, and every open space we renew brings us closer to our vision of a city that values its people, protects its environment, and nurtures community spirit,” he said. As of now, there are 222 parks within the MBKS area, eight of which are funded under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP). —DayakDaily
