Public parks should be a place of community unity.

KUCHING, Sept. 27: Public parks should be seen as more than just a recreation space, instead being places to unite communities and strengthen intergenerational interactions.

Deputy Prime Minister Sarawak embracing the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that facilities in public parks should be tailored to current needs of the community.

"I would like to congratulate the Mayor of South Kuching for coming up with an idea beyond the ordinary like this new library and community center. The facility brings residents together. Efforts to unite communities are very important because at this time, not only Malaysia is facing division but the world as well", he said.

He said this when meeting with the media after the launch of Hui Sing Park Community Center and Library on Sunday.

According to Dr Sim, the development of public parks should not only focus on facilitating children's play, the park also needs to provide space that can be utilized by various sections of society.

"Facilities such as libraries and community centers can be a meeting place for residents, including older citizens and the younger generation.

"The spaces provided by the previous leaders must continue to be maintained as public space for public use. I want the community center in Hui Sing Park to be actively used by residents", he said.

He believes continued consumption will create a sense of ownership among the population, thereby encouraging them to work together to maintain public facilities. -TVS