GEORGE TOWN, June 14 — Six Madani recreational parks in Penang are expected to be completed by the end of this year, expanding access to quality recreational facilities and enhancing the quality of life for residents in both urban and suburban areas. 

State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said three projects under the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) have commenced implementation, while another three under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) are in the final stage of the quotation process. 

“The three projects under MBPP are the upgrading of the Jalan Cheeseman neighbourhood park in Jelutong, Jalan Kampung Bukit neighbourhood park in Bayan Lepas, and Lengkok Merbah 3 neighbourhood park, also in Bayan Lepas. 

“The implementation period for the Jalan Cheeseman project is from April 16 to Oct 15, while the two projects in Bayan Lepas are scheduled from June 5 to November 4,” he told Bernama recently. 

For Seberang Perai, he said the projects involve landscape upgrading works at open spaces in Lorong Pauh 2, Taman Pauh and Jalan Kelisa Emas 4, Taman Kelisa in Seberang Perai Tengah, as well as Lorong Belatuk 3/Pekeliling Belatuk, Taman Belatuk in Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan. 

H’ng said the quotation advertisement process for the three projects was from May 19 to June 8, and they are currently at the document opening stage by the Quotation Committee before being tabled at the Quotation Committee Meeting in July. 

“Site works will commence in the third week of July, and all three projects are expected to be completed by December,” he said. 

He added that the selection of Madani park locations in Penang was evenly distributed between the island and Seberang Perai, with three projects allocated to each. 

With a total allocation of RM2.5 million from the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), H’ng said project costs were determined based on the needs and scope of work at each location rather than being distributed equally. 

The cost of projects under MBPP is RM412,580 for Jalan Cheeseman neighbourhood park, RM320,320 for Jalan Kampung Bukit, and RM381,100.50 for Lengkok Merbah 3, while the three projects under MBSP are each estimated at RM500,000. 

H’ng said the Madani recreational parks are developed based on an inclusive concept that benefits all segments of society, regardless of age or physical ability. 

Facilities to be provided include disability-friendly benches, children’s playground equipment, dedicated pathways and ramps for persons with disabilities, senior-friendly park benches, outdoor gyms, lighting systems, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) to enhance user safety. 

He said each selected location also underwent engagement sessions with elected representatives, councillors, and Village Community Management Councils (MPKK) to ensure the facilities meet the actual needs of residents. 

“The construction and upgrading of these recreational parks not only provide more comfortable and safer spaces for leisure activities, but also help strengthen social interaction, community wellbeing, and the quality of life of residents, especially in high-density areas,” he said. 

On Jan 17, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced an allocation for the construction of six Madani recreational parks in Penang as part of efforts to enhance recreational facilities and community wellbeing. 

The Madani recreational park development is one of KPKT’s key initiatives to bring recreational facilities closer to the people. Since its launch in 2024, the ministry has exceeded its annual target of building 100 parks. — Bernama